Police Scotland ‘completely transforms’ engagement with football supporters

Almost 7,000 people took part in Police Scotland’s first supporters’ engagement survey, 95 per cent of whom were regular football fans with almost 60 per cent of those who replied living or working in an area where matches took place.

The results, published on Tuesday (August 10), showed that most had no experience of engaging with Police Scotland about football other than on match days – meaning almost all engagement was in the period immediately surrounding matches “when situations can become tense, with supporters and police officers being put under pressure”.

The report adds: “These types of situation often don’t allow the chance to chat through an issue in the way that a pre-planned meeting with supporters would allow, and after asking respondents to rate their experience with us, it is clear there is improvement needed in how we are seen to be exercising our powers and explaining our actions on match day.”

The survey results showed there was “a very limited desire among football supporters to engage directly with Police Scotland”. Just 41 per cent of respondents wanted officers to engage with them about football, and of these most would prefer that engagement to come through their individual club.

However, a large majority of those who responded felt that football had a “positive impact” on their community.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: “We recognised that engagement and communication with football supporters is key and I am pleased so many people with an interest in football took part in the survey.

“Football plays an important role in Scottish life, for communities and individuals and can make a positive impact.

“We commissioned the survey as a way of getting views directly from supporters and local communities, as much to allow them to fully understand the role of officers at matches as gaining an understanding of what they expect from us.

“As a result, we have completely transformed the way we communicate with supporters and going forward will continue to involve them and our communities in shaping the way we police football matches.”

He added: “It is extremely important that we continue to work with the clubs and match organisers to ensure everyone who goes to a football match anywhere in Scotland can enjoy it in a safe and secure environment.

“We will build on the work already undertaken and continue to develop effective working relationships with football supporters and our communities.”

The survey followed a recommendation made in in the Independent Review of Football Policing in Scotland, which was commissioned by Police Scotland in 2018.

Supporters groups are now an integral part of Police Scotland’s planning of football matches – the Scottish Disabled Supporters Association, the Scottish Football Supporters Association and Supporters Direct Scotland now attend the Football and Events Working Group. This forum meets regularly to discuss issues relating to policing of football and other events and includes representatives of British Transport Police, the SFA, the SPFL, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Scottish government and the Football Safety Officers’ Association Scotland.

And while the results of the survey show that football supporters do not always feel the need to engage with Police Scotland officers at matches, the enhanced engagement has been welcomed by the supporters groups.

Alan Russell of Supporters Direct said: “Police Scotland is a key partner to Scottish football in ensuring that the match day experience is safe and enjoyable for all supporters. It is vitally important that communications between everyone involved on are clear and constructive, and we welcome the publications of its Football Engagement Strategy. The Independent Review of Football Policing identified potential improvements in how Police Scotland interacts with supporters, and we are pleased to have seen the early implementation of many of these recommendations.

“The survey results are revealing, and identify a number of issues that matter to supporters. Communication is the key to any good relationship, and we will listen to each other and work together to ensure that improvements continue to be made.”

Simon Barrow, co-founder and vice-chair of the Scottish Football Supporters Association, added: “This survey, and the process of which it is part, represents a significant step forward in communicating better with the whole football community over policing and security issues. We will study the results with interest, and look forward to further engagement, discussion and consultation in the coming months.”