Research and insights
This is about what we do to ensure the public, communities and partners are engaged, involved and have confidence in policing.
The high-quality research and insight programmes we deliver ensures our services meet the needs of everyone within the diverse communities that we serve.
Our team work hard to ensure we respond to what you tell us. We also ensure that there are appropriate and effective ways for you to help improve the service we deliver.
Communities in Scotland rightly expect and deserve a police service of the highest quality. It is through research and insight that we ensure we are meeting the needs of our diverse communities.
Research and insight teams are within our Strategy, Insight and Engagement service area. This is within our Strategy and Analysis Directorate.
Research and insight is split into two separate but connected areas of service delivery: academic research and insight and engagement.
Our academic research team support the academic community in Scotland. They do this in shaping evidence-led policing through high-quality academic research.
Our insight and engagement team design and lead public engagement activity using innovative approaches. They are guided by our Engagement and Participation Framework.
Our team of research, insight and public engagement specialists lead the planning and facilitation of high-quality research and public engagement on behalf of Police Scotland. This includes internal research with policing divisions, departments and colleagues.
We work collaboratively with a number of partners in the public, third and private sectors. These include strong partnerships with the Scottish Institute for Policing Research and the Open University’s Centre for Policing Research and Learning.
We also spend time designing and delivering public engagement activities in local communities. This aims to reach people who may be less likely to engage with us.
We are open, collaborative and invite anyone with an interest in public engagement or research to contact us. We’re keen to learn and develop our approaches to ensure we are truly sector leading.
Our approach to public engagement, service design, co-production and research activity will always be underpinned by our values of integrity, fairness and respect and the protection of human rights.
What we do is all about more and better democracy. More people should have more opportunities to have their voices heard.
Your feedback and views helps us learn about different communities’ needs. We communicate about our engagement activities and the things we are doing on our online Engagement Hub.
We want you to influence the decisions we make about the things which matter to you.
Police Scotland Engagement Hub
Outcomes, updates and public reports on past engagement activities are also available on our Engagement Hub.
Our team of specialists follow sector guidance such as the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct and the National Standards for Community Engagement. Staff within our team are members of the Community Learning and Development Standards Council for Scotland, the professional body for people working in CLD roles (such as public engagement).
We are working towards MRS Company Partner status to ensure our research and insight programme maintains the highest quality standards.
Our most recent public reports are:
- Public engagement on Police Scotland’s use of Body Worn Video
- Your Police 2020-21 survey to understand what your priorities are for local policing
- How can we provide the best support to people affected by crime?
- Public engagement to shape our Gaelic Language Plan 2021-26
If you have any questions related to public engagement or academic research, please contact us:
- Academic Research: AcademicResearch@scotland.pnn.police.uk
- Insight and Engagement: InsightEngagement@scotland.pnn.police.uk.
Contact us if would like this information in an alternative format or language.
