Pioneering conference highlights neurodiversity and policing
A pioneering conference that offered a unique platform for learning, exploring and challenging how neurodiversity impacts Police Scotland officers and staff, as well as the public it serves, was held this week.
Neurodiversity and Policing brought together international and local speakers from academia, public health and policing as well as those with lived experience, to explore the subject and share knowledge and understanding.
Around 15 per cent of the public are considered to be neurodivergent. However, Police Scotland estimates that between 20 and 30 per cent of its officers and staff could be neurodivergent – making them one of the largest minority groups in the service.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “Police Scotland is committed to creating a supportive, welcoming and inclusive culture for all our communities. We also strive to create a sense of belonging and a working environment where our colleagues are encouraged to achieve.
“Our officers and staff are drawn from our own communities and neurodivergent colleagues make up a substantial part of Police Scotland’s workforce. They also offer valued skills and unique perspectives that enhance our police service.
“As Police Scotland’s lead for neurodiversity and, as a neurodivergent leader in the public sector, it is a subject I am passionate about.
“Our refreshed Policing Together vision and programme is aimed at learning and improving. It is about creating a working environment where people know they belong. This vision is underpinned by a human rights approach to policing, focused on delivering the highest standard of service for our diverse communities.
“This landmark and extremely important conference provided the opportunity to share knowledge, lived experiences and help understand what neurodiversity is and allow those attending to access support, where it is required.”
Dr Inga Heyman from the School of Health and Social Care at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Along with our partners, we were delighted to host this important knowledge exchange event. We have a strong history of partnership working at the intersect of policing and public health.
“We recognise that no one organisation is adequately skilled, equipped and resourced to support people and communities to make lasting change. It is crucial we come together across sectors, to explore the academic evidence, practice and lived experiences of police officers who may be neurodivergent to recognise the challenges they face, but also the strengths their neurodivergence brings to their work.
“It is equally important that we learn from people who come in contact with police who are neurodivergent to better understand how practice can be enhanced to support them.”
The event was hosted by Edinburgh Napier University in partnership with Police Scotland, the Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association and the Scottish Institute for Policing Research.