Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 39
39
Deferred
Several witnesses have told us that establishing a new hotline may not be necessary, as...
Conclusion
Several witnesses have told us that establishing a new hotline may not be necessary, as there are other existing ways to raise concerns. For example, Assistant Chief Constable Spiers told us that already “there are a range of ways in which we encourage family, friends and clubs to make contact with us [the police]”.116 As noted by Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, these ways include “on the ground, if local community police officers are around, but also online … Above that, people know the contact number for the police in Scotland [101]”.117 Therefore, Superintendent Duncan stated, while there is “definite merit in trying to encourage reporting… There are probably other opportunities, such as advertising how you make direct contact with the police”118 using existing helplines.
Government Response Summary
The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced, how this might be funded, or whether existing services offer a better way to achieve the purpose, via a consultation paper.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The UK Government has noted the Committee’s recommendation around creating a new reporting service where members of the public can register concerns about certificate holders. We are seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced, how this might be funded, or whether the existing services offer a better way to achieve the purpose.