Conference to highlight Scotland’s policing capability

Scotland’s policing capability will be highlighted at an international conference in Edinburgh today.

Delegates from Belgium, Norway, Switzerland and across the UK will attend the event which will be opened by Justice Secretary Michael Matheson.

New Scottish Police Authority chair Susan Deacon and deputy chief constable designate Iain Livingstone are also due to speak.

Ahead of the event, Mr Matheson said: “I am absolutely confident in the professionalism and dedication of the many thousands of police officers and staff who provide essential leadership in communities across the country. Their efforts have been critical to delivering the safer society that we all now enjoy.

“In Policing 2026 we have a Strategy which will ensure Scotland continues to benefit from a modern, responsive and sustainable police service. The strategy also confirms that policing plays a core role in promoting the wider wellbeing of our communities, including supporting the most vulnerable people in our society.

“The Scottish government and our partners remain committed to the delivery of a policing system which not only meets the needs of those it serves but also fully supports those who serve it.”

A recent Audit Scotland report found that a senior police officer had their personal tax bill worth £53,000 settled by the taxpayer.

The same deputy chief constable also received £49,000 in relocation expenses.

Neither payment was properly disclosed by the SPA, which has been severely criticised in by the spending watchdog report.