Latest news with #JoFarrell
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Glasgow Times
'Scotland faces a new blade epidemic driven by teenagers'
But that hard work appears to be at risk, as Scotland faces a new blade epidemic driven by teenagers. There have already been two under-18s killed by stabbing in the past three months, including the tragic death of 15-year-old Amen Teklay in Glasgow earlier this year. And today it has been reported that police caught 91 children in possession of knives across the country throughout 2024 using stop-and-search tactics – the equivalent of one every four days. The issue has dominated the political scene, and even forced Jo Farrell, the chief constable, into the admission that she's worried about weapons in and around schools. And yet it wasn't that long ago that Glasgow was being held up as a beacon of how to reduce violent crime. Dedicated teams from London visited the city on a number of occasions to see what could be replicated there in the hope of having a similar effect. Policy leaders from across the world read up on the violence reduction work going on here, on education, and on the targeted interventions that were required to turn the tide in Glasgow, which once had the reputation as one of the most violent cities in the western world. But the new crisis we are facing is such that we clearly need something similar for the whole country, especially involving young people. Now when police find a knife on a person through a positive stop-and-search, there is a 30 per cent chance this will be a teenager. As the Scottish Police Federation say, these are young people who are making a conscious decision to pick up or acquire a blade, conceal it, and then take it out with them onto the streets. Maybe they have no intention of using it, and they see it merely as a deterrent. But they must realise the consequences, one of which is that it could be taken and used against them. The justice system of course has a part to play. The Scottish Government have been too soft for too long, especially on those under 25 who get an easy ride through the courts because it is deemed their brain isn't sufficiently developed yet to be a full-blown criminal. That has to change – slapping these offenders on the wrist isn't just an insult to victims and society, it doesn't do the offenders themselves any good either, as they go straight back onto the streets and continue in their reckless ways. However, we need to go further. Funding for youth clubs and community initiatives – so many of which have been allowed to close under successive governments – must be prioritised. We also need to get police back into schools and into the places where young people are to build relations. Savage cuts to the frontline have limited the opportunity for community officers to help get through to kids before they embark on a life of crime. Nothing can replace the bonds that can be formed in these moments. Glasgow has shown that it can come up with ways to tackle lethal violence in the past. Now the city should lead the charge again to help Scotland as a whole turn this brutal trend around.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Police Scotland blasted for lack of ‘gender and pronouns' policy on trans suspects
It follows the UK Supreme Court ruling earlier this month POLICY ROW Police Scotland blasted for lack of 'gender and pronouns' policy on trans suspects Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) POLICE Scotland bosses were blasted today for saying they still don't have a 'set policy' on the use of 'gender and pronouns' for suspects who identify as the opposite sex. The national force was criticised after issuing a position statement following May's landmark Supreme Court ruling. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Sign up 2 A freedom of information response from Police Scotland said it 'deals with each incident on a case-by-case basis' Credit: Alamy A freedom of information response from Police Scotland - following questions about how it treats sex attackers - said it 'deals with each incident on a case-by-case basis'. The force also said it has 'no set policy on the gender and pronouns used by Police Scotland when a suspect/criminal is transgender'. It comes after Chief Constable Jo Farrell appeared to clarify the service's rules on sex offenders in September, when she said biological male rape suspects would be 'be treated and we will investigate them as a man'. And it follows the UK Supreme Court last month clarifying that sex in equalities law means biological sex, not how someone identifies. Today, Scottish Conservative equalities spokesperson Tess White said it 'defies belief' that Police Scotland 'still doesn't have a clear policy on the accurate recording of sex'. She said: 'The Supreme Court's ruling couldn't have been clearer. The onus is on John Swinney to ensure that public bodies, including Police Scotland, are abiding by it.' The Tory MSP said the latest development was a reminder of the dangers posed by the likes of biological male double-rapist Isla Bryson - formerly known as Adam Graham - who was initially sent to a women's prison, sparking a backlash in 2023. Ms White said: 'The Isla Bryson scandal exposed the dangerous way in which the SNP's flawed gender self-ID policy could be exploited. It allowed a predatory man into a women's prison and put female inmates at risk.' A spokeswoman for For Women Scotland, which won the Supreme Court case, said: 'We really can't keep up with the knots Police Scotland is tying itself into. 'It's really quite simple, all rapists are male and Police Scotland, of all organisations, should be following the evidence and facts.' Trans women are NOT women, Supreme Court rules in win for anti-woke campaigners after battle over female-only spaces Last month's Supreme Court ruling has led to a list of organisations adapting their gender policies. But the Scottish Government has so far refused to change its own or issue new guidance to public bodies - like Police Scotland - saying it's awaiting further instruction from the UK's Equalities and Human Rights Commission. The EHRC has already issued 'interim' guidance. The Police Scotland FoI request was published this week by the force, and first reported by The Herald. A person had asked the force whether it records the sex of someone suspected in a rape or sexual assault case based on DNA or self-identified gender, and what guidance it follows when recording the sex and gender of individuals who are suspected of criminal activity. The Police Scotland FoI response said: 'There is no set policy on the gender and pronouns used by Police Scotland when a suspect/criminal is transgender.' It said police procedures on the identification and recording of sex and gender 'is evidence-led, aligns to legislative and operational requirements and is in keeping with our values of policing with integrity, fairness and respect, and upholding human rights'. The force added: 'At this time Police Scotland deals with each incident on a case-by-case basis.' Police Scotland also said it was currently reviewing its approach, taking into account the Supreme Court judgement. The Scottish Sun revealed in 2021 how the national force said they would record a rape as being committed by a woman if an attacker 'identifies as a female' - even if they haven't legally changed gender. At a Scottish Police Authority meeting this week, Ms Farrell was asked about when a long-awaited new policy would be in place. She said there were a number of 'moving parts' and said: 'We will do this once and we will do it right.' She added it was important not to make 'missteps' given the sensitivity of subject. Asked how the latest statement squares with Ms Farrell's September comments, a Police Scotland spokeswoman referred back to the top cop's statement to the Scottish Police Authority the same month, when she said: 'A male rapist cannot demand to be called a woman and further traumatise his victim – this would not happen.'
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
It's time for clubs to STOP fans from trashing city centres and organise their own events, says top Scots cop
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OFFICIAL fan zones must be set up for major footie matches to stop yobs trashing city centres, Scotland's top cop has insisted. Jo Farrell's plea came amid fears of more chaos at tomorrow's Scottish Cup Final after Celtic supporters' title street party mayhem last weekend. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Workers spotted repairing traffic lights and bus shelters at Glasgow's Trongate Credit: Alamy 4 Celtic's championship celebrations saw thousands of fans take over the city Credit: Alamy 4 Police Scotland's Chief Constable Jo Farrell is calling for official fan zones Credit: PA Police made more than 20 arrests after thousands of Hoops supporters defied authorities and their own club's pleas and descended on Glasgow's Trongate to celebrate. The Chief Constable yesterday told how hundreds of officers had to be drafted in — draining resources ahead of the clash between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden. Ms Farrell said: 'We had 320 officers involved in our response — 320 officers not available to communities for other duties. 'We have another high-profile fixture this weekend and nobody wants to see disorder or violence associated with it.' The unofficial Trongate title bash has become an annual mass gathering. Revellers were seen allegedly setting off pyros and climbing traffic lights after Brendan Rodgers' side lifted the Scottish Premiership trophy last Saturday. We told how Merchant City and Trongate Community Council hit out at their area being turned into a 'no-go' zone. Cops revealed they charged 17 people and reported four others. Charges included pyrotechnics and weapons possession, assault and public order offences. Officers in riot gear previously formed a ring of steel in the city's George Square as Rangers fans congregated during championship celebrations in May 2021. Council chiefs are understood to be reluctant to organise official parties as they fear they would be snubbed by fans who would instead continue to gather in streets. Celtic fans fight in the streets during title party as Glasgow's Trongate left strewn with litter But Ms Farrell told a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority: 'The ideal scenario would be an organised event that ensures safety and security, minimises wider disruption and which could create economic opportunities. 'All of us want people to enjoy celebrating their clubs' success safely without significant disruption and suffering to wider communities. 'We will continue to work with the clubs and other partners.' Glasgow City Council has offered to hold talks with clubs or fans' groups over organised bashes. A spokesman said: 'The council has heard the frustrations of residents and businesses that have felt the greatest impact from disruption these gatherings have caused. 'We have tried to ensure those are taken on board by clubs and other stakeholders. 4 Rangers supporters celebrating league victory in Glasgow's George Square 'We have been clear – both this season and in previous years – that if clubs, supporters' groups or others are serious about wanting to hold safe, sustainable celebration events then the city will support them in any way it can.' The Scottish Government, Celtic, Rangers and the SFA, were contacted for comment. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
STRETCHED TO BREAKING POINT: Scotland's top cop says deploying hundreds of officers to police title parties is causing a major concern ... and she urges clubs to organise official events in future
Football fans should be given a dedicated area to celebrate their team's sporting success in a bid to prevent city centre disorder, Scotland's top police officer has said. Chief Constable Jo Farrell said 320 officers were deployed after thousands of Celtic supporters descended on Glasgow's Merchant City and Trongate on Saturday. A total of 20 people have been arrested after Celtic fans celebrated their team lifting the Premiership trophy, following a 1-1 draw with St Mirren. An additional 17 people have been charged and four have been reported in connection with offences, including being in possession of pyrotechnics or offensive weapons, assault and public order. On Thursday, Farrell told a public board meeting of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) in Glasgow that the 320 officers involved in policing the disorder were 'not available to communities for other duties'. She said: 'For me, the ideal scenario would be an agreed and organised event that ensures safety and security, minimises wider disruption, and which could also create economic opportunities. 'Of course, we have another high-profile fixture this weekend [the Scottish Cup final between Aberdeen and Celtic at Hampden on Saturday], and nobody wants to see disorder or violence associated with it. 'As you would expect, we have an appropriate policing plan in place and will respond as required.' Commenting on last weekend's disorder, Farrell said the 'impact on businesses, tourism, and the cost to the taxpayer cannot be ignored and we received feedback from all of those groups'. She called for 'some safety controls to these celebrations - that's going to need co-operation from the clubs, and from the Football Associations'. Farrell added: 'Moving forward, I don't want to be in a position where we're deploying 320 officers in order to try and allow people to go about their business safely, and at the same time deal with the violence, disorder and pyrotechnics.' The arrests in Glasgow came after thousands of fans flooded to the Trongate area despite calls from the club, Glasgow City Council and police to stay away. Videos online showed fights breaking out in the gathering crowds as fans were spotted scaling traffic lights and the famous Mercat Cross, as well as Merchant City signs in the area. A heated altercation also unfolded in George Square in the city centre last Saturday morning as Celtic fans heading to Celtic Park clashed with people taking part in the Orange Order's VE Day 80th anniversary parade. Footage emerged showing objects being thrown between the crowds. Earlier this week, First Minister John Swinney condemned Saturday's events in Scottish football, which included Aberdeen player Jack MacKenzie being struck by a chair allegedly thrown from a stand at Tannadice. Swinney said: 'I am very concerned by what I saw over the weekend. 'I understand football supporters want to celebrate the performance of their team. 'I don't doubt that, or say I don't understand it. 'Of course, I understand it, but it shouldn't be at expense of other people. 'Whether it's a supporter, it appears, from the Aberdeen end throwing a chair that injures an Aberdeen player, a quite serious injury from what I can see. 'Nor the disruption in the centre of Glasgow, where the city was damaged and disrupted. Lives were disrupted, and there's a lot of cleaning up that's got to fall on the city council. 'I'm all for people celebrating, I quite understand it, but not at the expense of others.' A spokesman for Merchant City and Trongate Community Council said: 'It is clear Celtic cannot control its supporters when they take to the streets. 'We repeat our request, made two years ago, that should there be another such occasion the club organises - at its cost - its own celebration at Parkhead, the Emirates across the road from the stadium, Glasgow Green or any other venue of its choice. 'This cannot be allowed to happen for a fourth successive year. 'We shall be reviewing Saturday's events with Glasgow City Council, the police and our Scottish parliamentary representatives, and will continue to press for urgent actions by all parties involved.'
STV News
22-05-2025
- STV News
Do not carry weapons, warns police chief
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell has issued a 'clear plea' to Scots not to carry weapons amid concerns about youth violence. She sought to highlight the impact violent crime has on individuals, families and communities during a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority on Thursday. She made her plea as police confirmed a second teenager has been arrested in connection with the death of Kayden Moy, 16, following an attack on Irvine beach, North Ayrshire, at the weekend. A 17-year-old has already appeared in court and made no plea to charges of murder, attempting to pervert the course of justice, and carrying an offensive weapon. PA Media Chief Constable Jo Farrell voiced concerns about youth violence (PA). In a separate incident, a 16-year-old youth appeared in court on Monday accused of attempted murder and having a bladed item in a public place following an alleged stabbing at Portobello beach in Edinburgh last Friday in which a 17-year-old was found injured. Ms Farrell said: 'Violent crime is at historically low levels, with homicides at record low levels and attempted murders and serious assaults are also at low levels compared to recent years. 'However, I am concerned about some of the trends around violent crime committed by young people, and often committed against other young people, and we think a notable proportion of that is happening in and around schools. 'It's on policing and partners, local authorities, third sector, and beyond to work together to do all we can to prevent violence and reduce the harm it is causing. 'Reducing violence and preventing the harm it is causing continues to be an absolute priority. PA Media Kayden Moy, 16, died following an incident in Irvine, North Ayrshire, on Saturday (Police Scotland/PA). 'Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland leads our national approach to addressing violence, anti-social behaviour and for stop-and-search, which is a really valuable policing tactic to remove weapons from pockets.' She said in the last year, around 40,000 stop-and-search operations were carried out and more than 900 weapons were recovered. Of those 900 weapons, more than 200 were recovered from people aged 17 or under. Ms Farrell added: 'I would conclude with a very, very simple and clear plea to people – do not carry weapons. 'Doing so can have devastating and irreversible consequences for individuals, for families and for communities. 'Do not carry weapons.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
