To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on Police Scotland’s extension across Scotland of the north-east pilot of not investigating “low-level” crime. (S6O-03875)

All incidents that are reported to Police Scotland are individually assessed on the basis of threat, harm and risk, investigative opportunity and vulnerability. To suggest otherwise is incorrect. When there is no threat, harm or risk and no line of inquiry, officers will issue the caller with a crime report number and file the incident, with scope to return to it should investigative opportunities emerge.

Police Scotland confirmed to the Scottish Police Authority in June that the proportionate response to crime approach has been adopted across all divisions as of 24 June. That is an operational decision for the service, similar to many forces in England, and the SPA will receive an evaluation report in December.

The people of the north-east have to live through this experiment. Alongside reports of the 16-year-old who, after drinking alcohol on the streets of Elgin, killed Royal Air Force veteran Keith Rollinson after being refused admission on to his coach, we hear reports of Inverurie residents being intimidated by gangs of teens using the town centre as a personal playground, and of Oldmeldrum, Balmedie and Pitmedden residents reporting youths brandishing knives at passers-by. Does the cabinet secretary concede that electing not to investigate certain crimes, coupled with officer reductions and budget cuts, creates a haven for more antisocial behaviour issues across our communities?

I draw Mr Kerr’s attention to the comments and contribution of Assistant Chief Constable Bond, who has said that the impact of the proportionate response to lower-level offences gives

“officers more time to focus on local policing, keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems, and reducing”

reoffending. The impact of the north-east pilot saw public satisfaction rates increase and freed up 2,657 police officers, all to good effect for communities in the north-east.