Police Scotland has launched a public survey to help inform the development of a new national digital, data and technology strategy.
The force is asking for views to refresh its strategy, which covers the period 2025-2028, and plays a vital role in enabling its 2030 Vision for policing in Scotland of ‘safer communities, less crime, supported victims, and a thriving workforce.’
In a new blog post, the force says: “In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving public expectations, the role of digital and data within policing has never been more critical.
“We worked extensively with partners and stakeholders to develop our last Digital Strategy which focused on moving from ‘Doing Digital to Being Digital’, recognising the evolving role that digital, data and technology has within an organisation.
“This refreshed strategy will set out our renewed vision for harnessing technology and information to enhance operational effectiveness, improve public trust and confidence, and support our workforce in delivering outstanding policing services.”
The refreshed document will build on the foundations laid in previous years, aligning with national policing priorities, public sector ambition and local strategic objectives, while embracing innovation and emerging capabilities, the force added.
And key to the approach will be a renewed commitment to ‘ethical data use, robust governance, and inclusive design’.
The announcement comes after chief constable Jo Farrell spoke in May of the need for a fully digitised justice system following the national rollout of body-worn video cameras for frontline police officers.
Farrell revealed at a Scottish Police Authority meeting that there had been “significant discussions” with justice sector leaders – including Scotland’s most senior civil servant – about building on the success of the technology to improve wider justice system efficiencies.
More than 10,000 officers now have body-worn video cameras as part of their uniforms as a result of phase one of a nationwide programme, which concluded in April.
She said: “There have already been some significant discussions across all the senior leaders in the in the justice system, and with the permanent secretary and those who lead within government around the justice system.
” Our vision, my vision, is that we collectively build on the technology that’s brought around some significant change across the system, with DESC [Digital Evidence Sharing Capability], body-worn, and to now agree a broader cross-agency programme for the digitisation of the whole of the justice system.”
The current survey, which invites responses from members of the public and organisations, closes at the end of August and the findings will be presented at an SPA board meeting in September.
