5. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Police Scotland regarding its north-east pilot not to investigate crimes if that is deemed a proportionate response by the service. (S6O-02724)

Let me be clear: Police Scotland will continue to investigate all reports of crime across all parts of Scotland. In the north-east, when cases are assessed as having no risk or threat and it is clear that there are no proportionate lines of inquiry, callers will be informed that their report has been filed and has received a crime reference number. However, should new information emerge, officers will investigate appropriately. That is how Police Scotland has operated since its establishment.

Police Scotland’s operational response is, of course, a matter for the chief constable. However, I was updated on that matter by Deputy Chief Constable Designate Taylor on 14 September.

As the pilot will likely inform the Government’s view of local policing going forward, to slopey-shoulder it as an operational matter does our officers and the victims of crime a disservice. Given anecdotal evidence of victims feeling abandoned, criminals feeling that there is a free-for-all and general public disquiet, is the Scottish Government minded to see the pilot go nationwide? In any event, what measurements and outcomes will determine whether it has been a success?

Let me be clear. Despite how the pilot, which is a matter for Police Scotland, has been narrated, all crime that is reported will be investigated under the pilot, as has always been the case. That was the assurance that I received directly from Police Scotland.

Police Scotland ensures that threat, harm, risk, investigation, vulnerability and engagement are all assessed as part of its THRIVE model. If it is clear that there are no leads and there is no risk in terms of threat, harm and vulnerability, the measures outlined in my original answer will be undertaken. The only difference between what currently happens and what is being trialled in the pilot is a quicker decision in relation to a proportionate line of inquiry.

To answer Mr Kerr’s question more directly, I assure him that the Government’s focus will remain on keeping our communities safe from harm and ensuring that our police officers throughout this country have the appropriate support—

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

Thank you, Cabinet secretary.

—to make appropriate operational decisions.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

I call Audrey Nicoll to ask a supplementary question.

Although I appreciate that decisions such as on the pilot project in the north-east are for the chief constable, how does the Scottish Government continue to support Police Scotland to ensure that local priorities are met and relationships with local communities, which the Cabinet secretary alluded to a short time ago, are maintained?

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

Cabinet secretary, please focus on the pilot.

Yes, Deputy Presiding Officer.

Communities will remain at the heart of policing. The Scottish Government has highlighted the importance of community relationships in the updated strategic police priorities that were published earlier this year. The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 ensures that councils have to approve policing plans and the key priorities for their areas. Of course, they work alongside Police Scotland’s local commanders.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

Question 6 has been withdrawn.