The most complex societal challenges, often described as ‘wicked problems’, cannot be solved in isolation by a single agency. These issues frequently escalate to a point where policing becomes involved during moments of crisis or high harm. This ambition places prevention at the heart of digital collaboration across the public sector, with Police Scotland leading multi-agency efforts to share data, conduct research and apply analysis to enable early intervention. Achieving this requires new ways of working: linking data, identifying risk factors and informing partners’ strategies to understand the complex needs of citizens as they interact with public services. Alongside strengthening public sector collaboration, we will deepen partnerships across UK and international policing. This will ensure data, intelligence, best practice and skills are shared effectively, supporting both preventative and operational outcomes.
How we will impact Policing
- Tailored support & assistance for the public at a community level, finding best help at the earliest opportunity, by the most appropriate agency.
- Focus on problem solving, proactivity and prevention - better insights that will inform strategies and interventions in VAWG, anti-social behaviour, youth violence, reoffending, vulnerability and harm.
- Better co-ordination across the public sector and UK policing to identify and intervene with high-risk individuals.
How this will be delivered
- Common Data Platform: Through the work of the Prevention Hub, bring together and link person-centric datasets from across the public sector including policing, health and local authorities to identify risk factors.
- Emergency Services and Criminal Justice Collaboration: Identify opportunities to share services, best practice and data in order to improve service delivery.
- Supporting and delivering national programmes: Collaboration with NPCC, Home Office and PDS to roll out key cross-boundary technologies.
How our success will be measured
- Reduction in demand on Police Scotland through preventative action/intervention.
- New capabilities for early intervention based on cross agency data.
- Reduction in preventable incidents of trauma and vulnerability.
- Increased productivity through national technologies available to Police Scotland officers and staff.
