Chief Constable reveals plans for new ‘cyber command’ unit

Chief Constable Jo Farrell has warned that Scots are under threat from an increasingly sophisticated generation of cyber criminals – and said the force must embrace modern technology to counter it.

Farrell revealed that her team is working to tackle the issue by creating a new ‘cyber command’ unit to focus efforts across the force, while also investing in new tools to combat growing concerns such as cryptocurrency fraud.

Speaking at a conference on the future of digital justice and policing held by Futurescot at the University of Strathclyde, the chief constable also revealed that Police Scotland is to join the UK-wide Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Analysis System, formerly known as Action Fraud, as part of its strategy.

She said the Scottish policing community must work together to meet the unprecedented challenges it now faces.

“Since 2018, Police Scotland has seen an exponential increase in cyber crime,” she said.

“Through our ‘policing in a digital world’ programme, we are transforming our service to respond to these evolving threats. We are investing in our officers and staff on the front line, and we are investing in our digital forensic capabilities.

“Police Scotland has seen an exponential increase in cyber crime”

“Our next steps will be to deliver a ‘cyber command’ which will bring together the various cyber elements from across the organisation. This will professionalise the services and join up investigations with intelligence, digital forensics, public engagement and importantly, prevention.

“We have also set out our intention to develop capabilities surrounding data science, artificial intelligence and analytics.”

The Chief Constable also insisted that the force’s adoption of new technology, particularly in terms of privacy and biometrics, will follow strict ethical guidelines.

“I’m absolutely clear and determined our approach will be legal, ethical, compelling and will be underpinned by our values of integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights,” she said.

Next year’s FutureScot conference on digital justice and policing will be held on October 23, 2025, at the Technology & Innovation Centre in Glasgow. More details at www.futurescot.com

“If we use the technology right and in an efficient way, then you will see justice earlier and be reassured that perpetrators will feel the full weight of the justice system”

Jo Farrell hopes that new technology can help solve the citation crisis which has led to thousands of officers needlessly being called to court.

Across the force, more than 500 officers on average are cited for court every day, with only a small minority ever required to give evidence.

The Scottish Police Federation has warned that one of the biggest resource drains is officers turning up to court to give evidence in trials that are no longer going ahead.

Speaking in October, the Chief Constable said connective technology can help address the crisis.

“I think the time it takes for victims to get justice in the system is far too long,” Farrell said.

“I’m passionate about improving criminal justice experiences – outcomes for our victims, our witnesses, police officers and police staff who are key to the system.

“Witnesses, including police witnesses, are repeatedly cited to court and they don’t give evidence.

“I have consistently underlined the impact that criminal justice inefficiencies have on Police Scotland’s operational capability, our overtime bill, and the wellbeing of our officers.

“That’s the challenge and we’re working closely with court services, the prosecutors and government to use technology to drive improvements.”

Police Scotland’s overtime bill for officers attending court exceeded £3 million last year.

There are ongoing efforts to streamline the process such as a new scheduling app and a case management pilot scheme which has reduced officer citations.

The Chief Constable said the rollout of a new digital evidence sharing capability (DESC) system following its successful trial in Dundee can have a material impact on witness time.

“The benefits include fewer victims and witnesses having to attend courts and it reduces the time for cases to come to court and reach conclusion, which saves police time and saves money and resources across the system,” she said.

Earlier this year, 1919 revealed that police officers had been summoned to court to give evidence against someone who had passed away.

In another case, an officer on maternity leave with a 12-week-old baby was given a last-minute citation due to the fact a colleague was on holiday and had been excused.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has acknowledged that unnecessary citations are a “waste of resources”.

“If we use the technology right and in an efficient way, then you will see justice earlier and be reassured that perpetrators will feel the full weight of the justice system”