Summit to discuss local scrutiny of Scottish policing

A conference focussed on local scrutiny of police forces is to take place in Scotland this summer, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has announced.

The local policing summit was announced during a meeting of Holyrood’s justice sub-committee, considering the outcome of the Scottish Government’s police reform efforts.

The meeting highlighted various tiers of accountability in policing, from the establishment of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) to the engagement of local partnership and scrutiny boards.

The upcoming summit will build on the Partners In Scrutiny events held by the SPA and allow those involved in local scrutiny committees, including conveners, elected members and local police commanders, the opportunity to share best practice in how communities can influence their work.

Plans for the event will be developed with Police Scotland, the SPA, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS), CoSLA and the Improvement Service.

Mr Matheson said: “Local policing is at the very heart of Police Scotland and it is absolutely right that communities have their say in ensuring local police are concentrating on the priorities that are right for them.

“This summit is an excellent opportunity to put this commitment into practice and develop and improve the scrutiny arrangements of the police at a local level, which we know are already stronger than they were before reform.

“Alongside that though, and equally important, is the opportunity that this event will provide to make sure local boards are supporting the work of the police and helping to support and encourage them as they target the concerns and priorities of the communities they serve.”