NOTEBOOK

Round-up of policing
and justice developments 

Young dealers given the Brum’s rush

Police in Scotland teamed up with colleagues in the West Midlands to root out juveniles involved in so-called ‘county lines’ activity.

Officers had become concerned about young people travelling from areas in and around Birmingham to deal and supply drugs in Scottish towns and cities.

A number of people from that area were found in Aberdeen, and agencies on both sides of the border set a strategy for “repatriating” them back to the West Midlands.

The issue of county lines has caused increasing problems, particularly in rural areas where vulnerable people are targeted by ‘big city’ organised criminals to circulate drugs and other illegal items.

‘Outstanding investigations’ praised for 100% murder detection rate

Officers investigating homicides in Scotland have been praised after every one which occurred in the first half of this year was solved.

There were 21 murders in the first two quarters of 2024/25, a rate slightly lower than average compared to previous years.

However, bosses praised the “outstanding investigations by divisional, national and specialist teams” in ensuring each one was detected in short order.

The drop in homicide cases mirrored a wider fall in serious violent crime last year.

Arbitrator to decide police pay rise

The arbitration process to agree a pay deal for police officers in Scotland is now underway, with hopes for a decision next month.

The staff side and official side – made up of Scottish ministers, the Scottish Police Authority, and Police Scotland – have been unable to agree on a figure, resulting in a lengthy pay dispute.

Both sides need to agree on a question for the independent arbitrator to answer regarding the 2024/25 claim, then provide written submissions.

A meeting will then take place for the two sides to provide verbal submissions and answer questions.

The arbitrator will make a decision and answer the agreed question which will decide on what the pay deal should be.

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) is requesting a 5.5 per cent rise for officers, having rejected an offer of 4.75 per cent.

Meanwhile, Police Scotland staff have accepted a pay increase of 4.75 per cent, the highest pay increase offered in the Scottish public sector, excluding the NHS.

The SPF said it hopes a decision will be made by the arbitrator by mid-February.

Clubs help to tackle violence against women

Scotland’s football clubs are being enlisted by police to help tackle violence against women and girls.

Championship side Partick Thistle have already signed up to the British Transport Police’s campaign to improve the safety of females.

And a further seven clubs across the country are expected to follow suit as part of the wider drive to reduce gender-based violence.

Instances of attacks on women increased last year on Scotland’s trains by about a fifth, prompting a force-wide initiative to raise awareness of the problem.

Thousands snared by stop and search

Thousands of drugs, weapons and stolen items were recovered through police use of stop and search in the last six months, figures have shown.

Officers embarked on almost 19,000 searches across Scotland between April and September, an increase on the same period in 2023.

More than a quarter rendered a positive result, with drugs found on 3,771 occasions.

Weapons were recovered in a further 472 instances, while stolen property was found on 420 people.

Royal approval for two officers

Two police officers have been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs and retired superintendent Shaheen Baber both received the King’s Police Medal.

Speirs has served in the force for 36 years, having joined Strathclyde Police in 1988.

Baber, who began his career in 1996, was hailed for his commitment to policing in the Glasgow area.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “These honours are significant recognition of the dedication and professionalism our officers bring to deliver our vital public services.”

Pint-sized warning

Officers in Edinburgh have issued a warning to drivers who try to get away with having one for the road.

Police in the city pulled over a night-shift worker who had consumed a single pint of lager after finishing up over the festive period.

This breathalyser result came back just under the limit, prompting the force to issue the stern statement.

The officers’ post on social media read: “He was very lucky not to be over – you might not be.”

Public’s data demands revealed

Police Scotland has been swamped with requests by the public demanding to know what data is held about them.

New information has revealed the number of subject access requests (SAR) are on the rise, with a record 7,564 submitted in 2023, a figure which is likely to be surpassed for 2024.

Under the legislation, members of the public are permitted to ask any company or organisation what information it holds about them.

As the number of submissions has risen, the response time from the force has slowed up.

As of the end of September, just 52 per cent had been responded to within the target timeframe.

Now transport police to carry Naloxone

A pilot scheme has been carried out enabling transport cops to carry Naloxone, the antidote medication given to people who have overdosed on heroin.

All Police Scotland officers must carry the sprays, which can save the life of a user who has become unwell having taken opioids.

Now it has been confirmed that plans are in place for the British Transport Police to carry the kits.

Some officers expressed concern about carrying Naloxone, arguing that it placed too many additional responsibilities on already over-stretched officers.

Cross-party praise for hero cops

A motion tabled at the Scottish Parliament praising award-winning police officers has received cross-party support.

The tribute proposes formal Holyrood recognition for winners and nominees at the recent Scottish Police Federation awards.

Tabled by MSP Audrey Nicoll, it has been supported by members of the SNP, Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

It states officers and staff should be thanked “for their continued hard work and dedication”.

LEZ fine-dodgers on borrowed time

Drivers who refuse to pay low emissions zone (LEZ) fines in Glasgow are yet to be chased up, it has been revealed.

Despite coming into force in the summer of 2023, the council is still working to set up a system whereby unpaid fines can be pursued.

So far, around 60,000 fines have been issued to motorists breaching the zones, raising more than £5 million in fines.

And in a response to 1919, the local authority warned the back office system was close to being ready, adding: “All unpaid LEZ penalty charge notices remain liable for payment and will be pursued in due course.”