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Minister encouraged by Police Scotland response to tackling sexual offences

New Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has visited Livingston in West Lothian in the first of a series of engagements across the country to see how law enforcement agencies are keeping communities safe.

It follows recorded crime figures earlier this week which showed that crime across Scotland has reached a 40-year low.

With the publication also showing an increase in sexual offences, Mr Matheson was keen to see some of the positive work being done to address the issue and to encourage victims to come forward.

Yesterday, he met with senior officers from Police Scotland to hear about the innovative approach they are taking to community policing in West Lothian and the work of a special rape investigation unit based in the West Lothian Civic Centre in Livingston.

The Centre provides a ‘one stop shop’ for access to justice services and brings together several law enforcement agencies, the council, social work and community agencies housed within the same building to enable closer partnership working.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said:

“Figures this week show that recorded crime in Scotland is now at its lowest level for 40 years, violent crime is down 10 per cent and crimes of handling an offensive weapon (including knives) have reduced by 62 per cent since 2006-07.

“These strong statistics are backed by over 1,000 extra police officers since 2007, protecting the public and keeping communities safe.

“It is clear that I am inheriting a strong record of achievement in justice which I am keen to build on in the weeks and months to come, but I recognise that there still much work to do.

“The figures this week showing an increase in sexual crimes across Scotland are clearly a concern and I was therefore particularly keen to see for myself the good work being done by Police Scotland’s specialist rape investigation unit.

“I welcome that Police Scotland are taking a more proactive approach to rape and sexual crime and it is encouraging to see that there are now dedicated rape investigation units in each Division right across Scotland, supported by the National Rape Taskforce for more complex and time-consuming cases.

“The specialist officers I spoke to today believe that the rise in sexual offences could be down to a range of factors which include victims having more confidence to come forward, increased media attention in recent years and Police Scotland putting a greater focus on reviewing historical “cold cases”. This is encouraging to hear, but we also need to understand more about the underlying reasons for the rises we are seeing.

“At a national level, we’ve taken action in Parliament through strengthening legislation, we are investing heavily in supporting victims and Scotland’s prosecutors have put in place a team of experts which specialises in the investigation and prosecution of serious sexual crime.

“However, I want to get out and about right across the country to see for myself how the justice system is operating and meet those on the front line to hear about the great work they are doing. I also want to learn more about what might not be working so well and look at possible improvements which can be made. This includes anything that can be done on sexual offences or to further support victims.

“We all want the justice system to be as efficient and effective as it can be. This specialist unit I visited today in West Lothian is a fantastic example of law enforcement agencies and the community pulling together to tackle crime. I was incredibly impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the staff working to make the communities under their care safer places. I look forward to seeing more initiatives of this kind across the country in the weeks and months ahead.”

Chief Superintendent Gillian Imery, Divisional Commander for Lothian and Scottish Borders Division said:

"We were delighted to welcome the new Justice Secretary to the Livingston Civic Centre today, where he was able to see first-hand the variety of operational policing matters we deal with on a daily basis and the resources at our disposal at this wonderful facility.

"Police Scotland and the Scottish Government have a long-standing tradition of working together to make our communities safer and we look to continue this close engagement with Mr Matheson and his team. "