How it plans to improve crime reporting rates, given that, according to the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2018/19, only 36% of crimes c…

Whilst the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey shows that volume of crime has fallen significantly since 2008-09 (down 45%), we know crime reporting rates have remained stable throughout that period, and are similar to the rates in England and Wales. Adults in Scotland are now less likely to experience crime than those in England and Wales, who had an equivalent victimisation rate of 14.9% in 2018-19.
There are many reasons why people do not report crime to the police, for example some victims view these incidents as private, personal or family matters.
We are clear that we want victims to report crime to the police in order to access justice and we also want victims to have access to the support services they need and deserve. We are taking forward a range of actions both to encourage greater reporting and to encourage the uptake of support.
The total number of police officers – 17,431 (as at 31 March 2020) – is an increase of 1,197 police officers (+7.4%) from the position in 2007, and strengthening public contact and engagement is a key objective of Policing 2026.
In 2020-21 we are providing funding to Neighbourhood Watch Scotland (£115,000) and Crimestoppers Scotland (£99,000) to assist with their work in addressing crime, community safety and empowering victims to speak up. In 2018-19 there were 1,414 positive outcomes (arrest and charge, prevention, disruptions, referral to a support organisations and interventions) as a result of reports to Crimestoppers.
Victims and witnesses of crime who suffer fear or distress have a right to have special measures taken in court – such as providing evidence via video link, or behind a screen to avoid having to come face to face with the accused. The Standards of Service for Victims and Witnesses published by Police Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, the Scottish Prison Service and the Parole Board for Scotland ensure that victims and witnesses know what they have a right to expect during their interaction with these agencies.
In 2020-21 we are providing £18 million to support victims of crime, including to third sector organisations who provide practical and emotional support to victims and their families. The Victims Taskforce has been established to improve support, advice and information for victims of crime and their families as they interact with the justice system. Further information on the Taskforce can be found here https://www.gov.scot/groups/victims-taskforce/ .
A Taskforce work stream chaired by Rape Crisis Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid considers issues specific to victims of gender based violence and is taking forward a roundtable on the safeguarding of privacy rights for sexual offence victims and barriers to reporting.
Additionally, the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill empowers victims, giving them greater choice which may positively influence their decision to report the crime to police and encouraging those who may be reluctant to make a police report to access appropriate NHS services.
In 2017 we published an ambitious programme of work to tackle hate crime and build community cohesion and the Cabinet Secretary for Communities chairs an Action Group to take this work forward. Key priorities include raising awareness of hate crime and encouraging reporting. We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime to report it to the police or by using one of the many third party reporting centres across Scotland. We have also expanded our Navigators programme to reach more vulnerable people when they attend Hospital A&E, helping them access the services and support they need.