Scottish Police Federation: Scotland needs a cyber security agency

Rank-and-file police officers are calling for the creation of a dedicated cyber security agency in Scotland.

The Scottish Police Federation, which represents over 17,000 police officers north of the border, said Scotland has the “potential to be a global leader”.

The call for a standalone agency came as the body published its manifesto ahead of the Scottish Parliament election on May 5.

RELATED CONTENT

New pan-European data privacy laws a 'gamechanger', says senior Scottish Government cyber security tsar

Scottish small businesses 'unprepared and unconcerned' on cyber attack front, warns new research

Government launches strategy amid growing cyber crime levels

The Federation has issued 13 demands, including the introduction of a ‘social responsibility levy’ as well as legislation allowing officers to take part in political life.

The Scottish Crime Campus, which houses police, prosecutors, HMRC and the National Crime Agency, has developed “effective and feared capabilities to detect and disrupt criminal activity,” according to the SPF.

“Using these skills and experiences, Scotland should seek to position itself as a global leader in cyber security,” its manifesto states.

“The benefits of this investment are much wider than just crime and justice. The provision of highly skilled, well-paid jobs in this sector will provide much needed expertise that can help to boost economic growth.

“The SPF believes the creation of a Scottish cyber security agency can help ensure our citizens, business and services have the best possible response to the ever growing cyber threat while providing a boost to the wider Scottish economy.”

The Scottish Government launched its cyber resilience strategy last year amid warnings the country is facing an “unprecedented rate” of cyber crime.

Scottish Business Resilience Centre director Mandy Haeburn-Little told a Holyrood conference in February that “live discussions” were taking place about the creation of a cyber hub for Scotland, the first resource of its kind involving police, government, third sector and others with a view to supporting businesses and networks.

Meanwhile, the Federation wants to see the introduction of a Scottish equivalent of the Hatch Act in the United States, which sets out what political activities law enforcement can participate in.

Under the legislation officers may contribute money to political campaigns, political parties or partisan political groups, campaign for or against referendum questions, and attend political rallies and meetings.

However, they are not allowed to put themselves forward as a candidate for public office in a partisan election, take an active part in partisan political campaigns or engage in political activity while on duty.

“An equivalent Act, which states what police officers and federal employees can and can’t participate in, would help to address the wholesale restrictions placed on police officers from participating in democratic life,” adds the SPF manifesto.

The Federation has also called for a ‘social responsibility levy’ to “tackle the problems caused by anti-social behaviour” as well as the creation of “safe, secure facilities” besides police cells for those who are picked up while drunk.

“While intoxication is not a medical emergency, the consequences can be,” states the SPF manifesto. “Locking up people in cells is no longer and acceptable way to manage that risk.”