What is the role of the police in Scotland?
The job of the police is to protect the community, prevent crime if possible and once a crime has been committed, apprehend (arrest) those responsible.
Police Scotland officers have several different roles:
- maintaining public order
- crime prevention
- arresting criminals
- managing traffic
- investigating crimes
It is obviously preferable if the police can prevent crimes from being committed. This can involve having a physical community police presence, for example police patrols that are conducted on foot, on horseback, on bikes, or in cars.
Maintaining public order
Much of Police Scotland's most visible work is managing large crowds, for example at big sporting occasions or demonstrations. The priorities are public safety and ensuring that those present do not break the law.
In recent years, counter-terrorism has been a new Scottish public order issue. Counter-terrorism policy and legislation is reserved to the UK Parliament but the Scottish Government and Police Scotland work closely with other UK police bodies.
Crime prevention
It is preferable if the police can prevent crimes from being committed. A considerable amount of police time and effort is spent on educating people on personal safety and looking after their possessions. They also inform the public of the consequences of particular crimes, such as knife-carrying or drink-driving.
Arresting criminals
The police can arrest people suspected of committing a crime. They can do this for a number of reasons, eg:
- to take a suspect in for questioning
- to charge someone with a crime if they have enough evidence
- if an arrest warrant has been issued by a court
Police Scotland officers can stop and search a person without having a search warrant if an officer suspects the person of being in possession of any of the following:
- drugs
- an offensive weapon
- stolen property
- alcohol, if travelling to a major sporting event, particularly on public transport
- cash or the cash equivalent of 拢1,000 or more because of criminal activity
- fireworks, if a police officer suspects that the person intends to use the fireworks in an anti-social manner
Managing traffic
Traffic police have the responsibility of enforcing road traffic laws, traffic management and road safety.
Road traffic offences include the following:
- dangerous driving
- driving under the influence of drink or drugs
- speeding
This is a big part of police work. In 2022-23, road traffic offences accounted for 63% of all offences recorded in Scotland. (Source: Scottish Government)