Message as Operation Roll 2 draws to a close
From Ayrshire to Aberdeenshire, officers and staff stood up and delivered.
Over 7,000 officers were mobilised for Operation Roll 2; the policing operation for the visit of the President of the United States. It included local, national and specialist officers from Police Scotland as well as colleagues from UK police forces.
The visit took place from Friday, 25 July, until Tuesday, 29 July, 2025, and covered other notable figures meeting the US President in Scotland, including the European Commission President, Prime Minister and First Minister. It has been one of the biggest operations in Police Scotland’s history.
Officers and staff also responded to demonstrations and protests across the country, including in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, with only a very small number of criminal justice outcomes.
Members of the public have been in contact to thank us, including a local resident in Turnberry who said officers were “professional in their duties”, showing “empathy” and excellent “interpersonal skills”.
While the response to the visit brought international focus, policing in our local communities continued. Some of the work during the visit included the arrest of a 67-year-old man in connection with the death of Shona Stevens from Irvine in 1994, a £3.5million recovery of illegal cigarettes and tobacco in Dumfries, and the seizure of illegal drugs in Aberdeen, Alloa, East Kilbride and Glasgow with six people arrested.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond, Gold commander for the police operation, said: “This significant event took place safely without any serious disruption.
“A policing plan was put in place to maintain public safety, balance rights to peaceful protest and minimise disruption.
“I’d like to thank the public for their patience as we worked tirelessly to deliver this operation, while police work continued in communities across Scotland.
“Most importantly, I’d like to thank our officers and staff. Thank you for your professionalism and hard work during every long shift away from your family and friends. Every single officer and member of police staff should be incredibly proud of how we delivered this significant operation while keeping communities safe across Scotland.”
Notable figures
6,144 Police Scotland officers worked on Operation Roll 2.
There were 20,748 deployments.
1,197 mutual aid officers from police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
154 police staff.
Catering staff handed out around 45,000 meals to police officers, police staff and partners.
Breakdown of arrests 25-29 July for Operation Roll 2
A 24-year-old man arrested in Glasgow on Friday, 25 July, in relation to a Section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing Scotland (Act) offence (threatening or abusive behaviour) at Balmedie on 24 July, 2025. He is due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 20 August, 2025.
A 65-year-old woman arrested at Balmedie on Friday, 25 July, 2025 in relation to Section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing Scotland (Act) offence (threatening or abusive behaviour) was cautioned and charged and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
A 25-year-old man arrested in Prestwick on Friday, 25 July, 2025, and issued with a Recorded Police Warning (RPW) for a Section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing Scotland (Act) offence (threatening or abusive behaviour).
A 41-year-old man arrested at Glasgow airport on Sunday, 27 July, for assault and Aviation Act offence. He appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday, 28 July, and was remanded in custody.
A 50-year-old woman issued with an RPW on Sunday, 27 July, 2025, near to the American Consulate in Edinburgh for a Section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing Scotland (Act) offence (threatening or abusive behaviour).
