Police Scotland aiming to be the ‘most digitally enabled police force in Europe’ – Emergency Services Times

Jo Farrell, the first female Chief Constable of Police Scotland took up her post in October 2023, moving from running one of the smallest police forces in the UK, to the second largest. Having held the National Police Chiefs’ Council technology brief as well, we look at what changes she’s made so far and her ambitions for its digital future.

CC Farrell presented her first Annual Police Plan to the Scottish Police Authority earlier this month. She outlined a new approach to performance reporting which will help the force to better understand and explain its level of service, using data across key measures to also inform how it deploys resources and enables effective scrutiny and benchmarking to drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

She said that policing must evolve to live within projected funding in future years and with an operating model that’s fit for the challenges of today and the future.

“Some of our evolution will be in our structures and working practices. Everything we do will be about prioritising the frontline to deliver on prevention, problem solving and tackling areas of high harm.”

As part of this, CC Farrell said she wants the force to be the most digitally enabled police force in Europe, using technical capabilities to improve both efficiency and effectiveness.

Body worn video

One area of technology where change is afoot is the use of body worn video by frontline police officers. Police Scotland is investing £12m to start a national roll out of body worn video during 2024. At the end last year, CC Farrell said the technology would help secure ‘better and quicker’ outcomes for victims of crime, telling MSPs that it was her ambition that all frontline officers would be equipped with the devices.

“I will continue to update the Police Authority on progress around body worn video, which is an absolute priority for me, and which is outlined as a key milestone in my Annual Police Plan.”

She cautioned that security systems would need to be upgraded before a full deployment could take place. Police Scotland is the second largest force in the UK after the Met, but it is the only one not to have the cameras as standard equipment.

Policing in a digital world

Police Scotland recently provided an update on work to deliver the ‘Policing in a Digital World’ programme, outlining how it is enhancing its capabilities and capacities as the force responds to online child sexual abuse, exploitation and fraud.

“Our Policing in a Digital World Programme will enable us to continue keeping Scotland’s people, communities, businesses and assets safe in both the physical and digital world.”

The 2024 Policing in a Digital World Annual Report also outlined how the force has forged strong partnerships with Cyber Scotland, the Cyber and Fraud Centre and agencies such as the Scottish Government’s SC3 (Cyber Coordination Centre). This has included collaboration within academia – such as Abertay’s Cyber Quarter and with the support of the Scottish Police Authority. Cyber Scotland Week took place earlier in March providing a forum for organisations across Scotland to raise awareness of cyber issues.

As part of the programme and along with the Scottish Police Authority, Police Scotland has developed the Rights Based Pathway to define steps prior to introducing new capabilities.

“We have a positive duty to the public and victims of crime to embrace new technologies which help keep people safe in the digital world. The pathway ensures such capabilities are introduced with appropriate safeguards and in a way which adheres to our values and upholds human rights.”

Digi dogs

Police Scotland is enhancing its canine search capability with the introduction of Digital Evidence Detection Dogs. These specially trained dogs, including Zen, Xena, Max, Pip, and Willow, along with their handlers, are being prepared to assist in investigations involving hidden digital devices like smartphones and laptops.

Once trained, these dogs will be able to uncover concealed devices and hardware, which existing search methods aren’t always able to pick up. Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn highlighted the importance of this addition, noting the prevalence of digital devices in criminal activities and the evolving methods used to conceal them.

Training for these dogs typically lasts between six to eight weeks, after which they will provide support to officers in finding crucial evidence. The Digital Evidence Detection Dogs complement Police Scotland’s existing canine resources, expanding their capability beyond drugs, explosives and other traditional search targets.

The chief said she aims to provide clear leadership and give staff the training, skills and best modern technology to do their job. The force enters the new financial and reporting year with a refreshed leadership team, having appointed new deputies and with plans to recruit a new Assistant Chief Constables. Read about the recent appointments here.

To learn about how Police Scotland is investing in a green fleet read our recent interview with EV fleet lead, Billy Andrew.