To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to Police Scotland to increase visibility in remote and rural communities and deliver the community policing model, as outlined in the Chief Constable’s 2030 vision for safer communities, less crime, supported victims, and a thriving workforce. (S6O-04262)

The Scottish Government welcomes the publication of Police Scotland’s 2030 vision and its accompanying three-year business plan, including the emphasis that is rightly placed on tackling rural crime and designing victim-centred models of care for local public protection for remote and rural areas.

In 2025-26, the Scottish Government will increase police funding to £1.62 billion. That includes almost £57 million in additional resource funding, which will support front-line service delivery and allow Police Scotland to make progress in the key areas of transformation that are outlined in the three-year plan, including the delivery of enhanced community policing across the country.

Constituents of mine in the Highlands and Islands, including members of Breasclete community council in the Western Isles, have raised concerns that they no longer see police officers but do see an increase in antisocial behaviour. Visible police patrols can provide communities with a sense or feeling of security, and there is some evidence to say that such patrols can help to reduce crime. I know that the police service is under various pressures, but what more could the Cabinet secretary do to reassure my constituents and improve visible community policing?

Although recruitment and deployment of resources are operational matters for the chief constable, I note that, on 16 January, 124 new recruits were sworn in to Police Scotland, bringing the number of officers to 16,614. The three-year plan outlines a new community policing focus that aims to increase the capacity and capability of our local policing teams with prevention and local problem-solving approaches, as well as a clear ambition to increase confidence levels in our communities and among partners.

Given the specialist roles that many police officers now undertake, does the Cabinet secretary agree that the most effective way of improving the visibility of the police in our communities and the service that our constituents receive is to increase police numbers?

As I said in my earlier answer, I am pleased to report to the Parliament that there is stability in the number of police officers, which is currently around 16,600. It is by design of the Parliament that operational matters are for the chief constable, as opposed to being for me, but I know that her comments about visibility in the community are reflected in Police Scotland’s plans.

Too often, the police have to step in where other public services are not able to provide support: either they are failing or they do not have the capacity. That is particularly the case with mental health services, and police officers can be tied up for hours supporting an individual who is going through a crisis. What particular support is the justice secretary making available through Police Scotland to ensure that services are there for people when they need them and that the police can be free to do their job?

I very much agree with the point that staff such as police in public protection roles often have to deal with issues that could have been resolved further upstream.

A wealth of work has been undertaken, particularly the partnership work led by the partnership delivery group. I gave extensive evidence to the Criminal Justice Committee at the start of this year, along with our psychiatric clinical lead colleague from Mr Gray’s health portfolio. I am happy to write to Mr Rennie with further detail, as a wealth of activity is taking place, which changes the support that is received by individuals while recognising that the job of a police officer is to be a police officer. Of course officers have duties of care, but it is not acceptable for police officers to be spending extensive time at accident and emergency departments.