Chamber and committees

We are coming up to the end of our time, but I have a final question that relates to the provision in the bill regarding hearings related to gross misconduct being held in public.

You have done a lot of work to look at mental health and wellbeing, not just with regard to the demand on police officers and staff from that growing area of operational delivery but with regard to their own health and wellbeing.

Should that provision be enacted, what needs to be put in place to make sure that the mental wellbeing of those involved is considered and prioritised? I am interested in your views on that.

Thank you—that is very helpful.

It has been a really informative session, and I thank you for your time. We are a wee bit over time, so I will finish things there.

We have about 10 minutes left. I invite Fulton MacGregor to ask questions, followed by Russell Findlay.

I will step outside the bill for a moment. I have become interested in what sort of conduct brings officers to the attention of the PSD or, if it is a higher bar, the PIRC. We understand police assault and other traditional types of allegations. I am thinking more about the issues and challenges that are bearing down on police officers in the 21st century. Are you seeing any shift in the sorts of issues that are impacting police officers and staff compared to, say, 10 years ago?

That is fascinating. It is interesting to hear about some of the types of behaviours that are coming to your attention more than previously. Can you say anything about the demographics of that? Are the officers younger or older?

I call Pauline McNeill.

Are you referring to Lady Elish Angiolini? She is not the Lord Advocate.

My final question is about timescales. Do you agree that Police Scotland should respond to the PIRC’s recommendations within specific timescales? Is that feasible? Is it possible? Is it challenging?

I bring the session to a close—it has been helpful, so thank you very much indeed. We now move into private session.

Thank you. I will now bring in other members.