Police Scotland to focus on local priorities
The Chief Constable and Justice Secretary have set out a vision for the national force
Police Scotland is to strengthen its focus on community policing following a consultation on new strategic priorities for the force.
Localism is one of the seven priority areas set by the Scottish Government to give a broad strategic direction to Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA).
It states that the force should "ensure that the needs of local communities are understood and reflected in the planning and delivery of policing at a local and national level".
The other six themes cover inclusion, prevention, responsiveness, collaborative working, accountability and adaptability, which recognises the need to tackle new and emerging threats to the public such as cybercrime.
Launching the new priorities, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: "With recorded crime in Scotland at a 42 year low, I am confident that policing in Scotland is on the right track.
"We have a world class police system in Scotland, supported by a hugely dedicated and professional workforce who work each and every day to secure the safety and wellbeing of people and communities across the country.
"I believe that the new strategic police priorities, developed following extensive consultation with people from across Scotland and key partners, will be key to shaping the future of policing in this country and will ensure Police Scotland remain a progressive and forward-looking service."
Chief Constable Phil Gormley said: We welcome the publication of these strategic priorities for policing as we move forward with the transformation of the service in Scotland.
"Policing in Scotland, which is built on a really solid foundation and traditions that are the envy of many, needs to be locally relevant and have the confidence of our communities.
"We also need to ensure that the protection communities require to tackle emerging threats and risks is available where and when required.
"The majority of what officers and staff deal with on a daily basis, around the clock, every day of the year relates to calls for service - people calling us at a time of crisis and need and we need to make sure we respond by having the strategic priorities set out today at the heart of what we do and how we do it."
Andrew Flanagan, chair of the Scottish Police Authority, added In line with the new Strategic Police Priorities published today, the SPA have initiated work which will deliver a clear long-term vision and strategy for policing now and over the next 10 years. It will have a strong focus on the quality of service that Scotland needs from its policing, how we develop new capabilities, and deliver improved benefits for our communities.
"Through that we are committed to ensuring that the police have a workforce which has the skills and capability to meet the changing demands they face, within a shared direction and purpose for the single service that unites police professional and citizen alike."
The priorities were also welcomed by Councillor Harry McGuigan, council body Cosla's community wellbeing spokesman, who said the organisation was particularly pleased to see the clear emphasis on localism".