Police Scotland launches first ever survey of football policing

For the first time, Police Scotland is asking for views on how the national police force engages with Scottish football supporters, and the wider public, about football policing.

This follows a recommendation made in the Independent Review of Football Policing in Scotland report – commissioned by Police Scotland last year.

Chief Inspector Campbell Crawford, head of Police Scotland’s national football unit, said:

“Getting views directly from supporters is extremely important and a real step forward for us. We are keen that people understand that our role at football is to support the event organiser, as well as understanding what people expect from us.

“We are transforming the way we communicate with Scotland’s football supporters and we now need as many of them as possible to take part in the survey.

“We also want to make sure that the communities who host football matches are involved. We know policing operations has an effect on them too.”

Chief Inspector Crawford continued: “All the feedback we receive will be analysed and will contribute directly to our new engagement strategy. This will ensure football supporters and communities are involved in the way we police football in future.”

“We want everyone who goes to a football match anywhere in Scotland to enjoy it in a safe and secure environment. We believe that by building on the work already done to develop effective working relationships with football supporters and our communities, we can contribute to ensuring a positive experience for supporters attending matches as well as those who live and work in areas which host football matches.

“I would encourage anyone who has an interest in football policing to complete the survey. We would appreciate your help.”

The questionnaire can be completed by clicking on the link: https://consult.scotland.police.uk/surveys/football-engagement-strategy/