Agenda Document Pack - Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee - 15/08/2024
Moray Council · 15 August 2024
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee — 15 August 2024 and its agenda
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Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee Thursday, 15 August 2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Meeting of the Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee is to be held at Council Chambers, Council Office, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX on Thursday, 15 August 2024 at 14:00. BUSINESS 1. Sederunt 2. Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests * 3. Minute of the meeting held 2 May 2024 5 - 8 4. Written Questions ** 5. Police Perfomance Report Report by Chief Superintendent Graeme Mackie, Divisional Police Commander, North East Division, Police Scotland 9 - 34 6. SFRS Year to Date Performance Report Report by LSO Andrew Wright, Local Senior Officer, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray 35 - 60 7. Thematic Report - Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Report by LSO Andrew Wright, Local Senior Officer, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray 61 - 74 Page 1
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Summary of Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee functions: The following functions of the Council shall stand referred or delegated to this Committee: (1) To deal with all matters relating to Police and Fire and Rescue Services in Moray. (2) To participate in consultations relative to national strategic plans and priorities for the Police and Fire and Rescue Services. (3) To work with the Local Police Commander and the Local Senior Officer for the Fire and Rescue Service to set priorities and objectives for Local Police Plans and Local Fire and Rescue Plans for Moray. (4) To monitor delivery of the Police and Fire and Rescue Services in Moray, providing feedback and making recommendations for improvements as required. (5) To call for reports from the Local Police Commander or the Local Senior Officer for the Fire and Rescue Service on issues relevant to the delivery of the Police or Fire and Rescue Service in Moray as appropriate. (6) To facilitate Community Planning relative to the Police and Fire and Rescue Services in accordance with statutory guidance. Watching the Meeting You can watch the webcast live by going to: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_43661.html Webcasts are available to view for 1 year following the meeting. You can also attend the meeting in person, if you wish to do so, please come to the High Street entrance door and a member of staff will be let into the building. Page 2
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GUIDANCE NOTES * Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests - The Chair of the meeting shall seek declarations from any individual or political group at the beginning of a meeting whether any prior decision has been reached on how the individual or members of the group will vote on any item(s) of business on the Agenda, and if so on which item(s). A prior decision shall be one that the individual or the group deems to be mandatory on the individual or the group members such that the individual or the group members will be subject to sanctions should they not vote in accordance with the prior decision. Any such prior decisions will be recorded in the Minute of the meeting. ** Written Questions - Any Member can put one written question about any relevant and competent business within the specified remits not already on the agenda, to the Chair provided it is received by the Proper Officer or Committee Services by 12 noon two working days prior to the day of the meeting. A copy of any written answer provided by the Chair will be tabled at the start of the relevant section of the meeting. The Member who has put the question may, after the answer has been given, ask one supplementary question directly related to the subject matter, but no discussion will be allowed. No supplementary question can be put or answered more than 10 minutes after the Council has started on the relevant item of business, except with the consent of the Chair. If a Member does not have the opportunity to put a supplementary question because no time remains, then he or she can submit it in writing to the Proper Officer who will arrange for a written answer to be provided within 7 working days. Page 3
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MORAY COUNCIL Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee SEDERUNT Councillor Peter Bloomfield (Chair) Councillor Donald Gatt (Depute Chair) Councillor James Allan (Member) Councillor Theresa Coull (Member) Councillor John Divers (Member) Councillor Jérémie Fernandes (Member) Councillor Paul McBain (Member) Councillor Neil McLennan (Member) Councillor Shona Morrison (Member) Clerk Name: Lindsey Robinson Clerk Telephone: 07966 120593 Clerk Email: committee.services@moray.gov.uk Page 4
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MORAY COUNCIL Minute of Meeting of the Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee Thursday, 02 May 2024 Council Chambers, Council Office, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX PRESENT Councillor James Allan, Councillor Peter Bloomfield, Councillor Theresa Coull, Councillor John Divers, Councillor Jérémie Fernandes, Councillor Donald Gatt, Councillor Paul McBain, Councillor Neil McLennan SUBSTITUTES Superintendent David Howieson attended in place of Chief Superintendent Graeme Mackie. APOLOGIES Councillor Shona Morrison IN ATTENDANCE Superintendent David Howieson; Chief Inspector Mike McKenzie; Chief Inspector Chris Kerr, all Police Scotland; David Hendry, Group Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; and Lindsey Robinson, Committee Services Officer, Moray Council. 1. Chair Councillor Peter Bloomfield, as Chair of the Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee, chaired the meeting. 2. Tribute The Committee joined the Chair in thanking the emergency services for their hard work on the two recent major incidents; the fatal accident on the Elgin to Lossiemouth road on 24 March 2024 and the car cash at Craigellachie Bridge. 3. Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests * In terms of Standing Orders 21 and 23 and the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, there were no declarations from Group Leaders or Spokespersons in regard to any prior decisions taken on how Members will vote on any item on the agenda or any declarations of Member’s interests in respect of any item on the agenda. 4. Minute of meeting held 8 February 2024 The minute of the meeting held 8 February 2024 was submitted and approved. 5. Written Questions ** The Committee noted that no written questions had been submitted. Item 3. Page 5
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6. Police Interim Perfomance Report The meeting had before it a report by the Chief Superintendent, Divisional Police Commander, North East Division, Police Scotland informing the Committee of the performance of Police in respect of the Local Policing Plan 2023-26. During consideration, Councillor McLennan sought clarification on the use of Action Fraud in Scotland as people in his constituency are worried about online fraud due to the local Bank of Scotland branch closing. In response, Superintendent Howieson advised that he was unsure of the status us Action Fraud in Scotland, but he would find out and report back to the Committee with details of all support available. Councillor Allan sought clarification as to whether it included the Moray Rambler, Royal Bank of Scotland mobile bank. Superintendent Howieson advised that he would find out and report back to the Committee. Following consideration, the Committee unanimously agreed: i. to note the performance outlined in the report; and ii. to note that the Local Commander will continue to report to the Committee quarterly on performance measures against service objectives as articulated in the 2023-26 Local Policing Plan. 7. Proportionate Response to Crime Project - Evaluation Report The meeting had before it a report by the Chief Superintendent, Divisional Police Commander, North East Division, Police Scotland informing the Committee of the evaluation report with respect to the Police Scotland Proportionate Response to Crime project, which was piloted in North East Division and previously discussed at this Committee. During consideration, Councillor Gatt sought assurance that every response would take into consideration who had written it as there could be a difference of opinion between a newly qualified PC and a Sergeant at the end of their career. In response, Superintendent Howieson advised that every crime response that is disposed will go through a front-line supervisor and then to the crime management desk, where the decision is taken on whether the disposal is appropriate in the circumstances. He further advised that this level of scrutiny would be the same no matter if it came from a front-line officer or a call handler to ensure a consistent approach. Following consideration, the Committee unanimously agreed: i. to note performance outlined in the report; and ii. to note that the Local Commander will continue to report to the Committee quarterly on performance measures against service objectives as articulated in the 2023-26 Local Policing Plan. Page 6
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8. Thematic Report - Road Safety and Casualty Reduction The meeting had before it a thematic report by Chief Inspector Kerr and Inspector Mackie informing the Committee on the work of the Road Policing and Community Policing Teams in respect of Road Safety. During consideration, Councillor McLennan sought clarification on whether there could be a push for more Road Policing coverage in Moray, and if the target for no serious injuries could be by 2030 rather than 2050. In response, Chief Inspector Kerr advised that there is currently no change to Roads Policing across Moray, but that the operating model does sometimes need to change to ensure that the right people are in the right place at the right time. Any permanent changes would be consulted on. In response to the second part of the question, he advised that the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland wrote the Road Safety Framework, but he will raise the point at the next meeting and report back to the Committee. Following consideration, the Committee unanimously agreed to note the information contained within the report. 9. Thematic Report - Road Traffic Collisions and Road Safety Initiatives in Moray The meeting had before it a thematic report by the Local Senior Officer, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, and Moray informing the Committee of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Road Traffic Collision attendance and prevention in Moray. Following consideration, the Committee unanimously agreed to note the contents of the thematic report at Appendix 1. Page 7
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REPORT TO: POLICE AND FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES COMMITTEE ON 15 AUGUST 2024 SUBJECT: POLICE PERFORMANCE BY: CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT GRAEME MACKIE, DIVISIONAL POLICE COMMANDER, NORTH EAST DIVISION, POLICE SCOTLAND 1. REASON FOR REPORT 1.1 To inform the Committee of the performance of Police in respect of the Local Policing Plan 2023-26. 1.2 This report is submitted to Committee in terms of Section III (J) (4) of the Council’s Scheme of Administration relating to the monitoring of delivery of the Police and Fire and Rescue Services in Moray. 2. RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that the Police and Fire & Rescue Services Committee:- (i) scrutinise performance outlined in the reports; and (ii) note that the Local Commander will continue to report to the Committee quarterly on performance measures against service objectives as articulated in the 2023-26 Local Policing Plan. 3. BACKGROUND 3.1 The Moray Local Policing Plan 2023-26 was submitted to this Committee for consultation in November 2022. The consultation ended in early February 2023 and the Plan has been in operation since 1 April 2023. Following discussion with the Chair the Plan was retrospectively approved at Committee on 4 May 2023. 3.2 Section 47(2) of the Police and Fire Reform Act 2012 states "a local police plan is a plan which:- Item 5. Page 9
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OFFICIAL a. sets out the main priorities and objectives for the policing of the local authority's area. b. where reasonably practicable, identifies outcomes by reference to which the achievement of those priorities and objectives may be measured." 3.3 The performance update (Appendix 1) provides those outcomes, as per Section 47(2)(d) of the Act, for the Moray Council Area. In addition, it is supported with further key indicators to assist context of the outcomes of the Local Policing Plan. 4. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS (a) Moray 2026: A Plan for the Future and Moray Corporate Plan 2015 – 2017 The Moray Council's responsibilities with regards to the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 are directly relevant to Community Planning and the Single Outcome Agreement. (b) Policy and Legal This report is presented to the Moray Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee within its remit for local scrutiny of the Police. (c) Financial implications There are no identified financial implications. (d) Risk Implications There are no identified risk implications. (e) Staffing Implications There are no identified staffing implications. (f) Property Not applicable. (g) Equalities Not applicable. (h) Consultations The Local Policing Plan, upon which the performance is reporting, was subject to consultation with elected representatives, and was heavily Page 10
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OFFICIAL influenced by ongoing feedback from local communities within the Moray Council area. 5. CONCLUSION 5.1 This report informs the Committee of the performance of Police in respect of the Local Policing Plan 2023-26. Author of Report: Chief Superintendent Graeme Mackie Divisional Commander North East Division Police Scotland Background Papers: • Performance Report April 2023 – March 2024 Page 11
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Performance against Local Policing Plan 2023-26 North East Division Moray April 2023 - March 2024 Item 5. Page 13
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Introduction by the Divisional Commander I am delighted to be able to share the latest Public Protection Committee report on behalf of Police Scotland, North East Division. This report details performance in Moray aligned to the agreed priorities at local and national level from the period of 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. Serving our communities throughout North East Division and Moray with our dedicated Community Policing Teams at the heart of everything we do, we continue to actively engage with residents of Moray aiming to understand and respond to concerns. Crimes of violence and antisocial behaviour continue to be of particular concern to people living in Moray. Such concerns are brought sharply into focus by the tragic events which led to the death of a male in Elgin in February of this year. We remain committed to working positively with our partners to reduce incidents of violent crime and antisocial behaviour adopting a holistic approach focused on early intervention and diversion. Our work along with partners through the Antisocial Behaviour Tasking Group allows effective partnership working to identify and tackle causations factors before impacts are felt in our communities. As the needs of our communities grow more complex, we have adapted and allocated resources to meet these demands effectively. In areas like Fraud, where victims are often highly vulnerable, we have enhanced the Divisional Cyber-Enabled Crime Team with Officers skilled in financial investigation. This team collaborates closely with Crime Prevention Officers to support and protect our communities in Moray. We are dedicated to our role in the Community Planning Partnership, working closely with our partners. This report highlights our commitment to collaboration and illustrates how this approach has led to success. Through joint efforts, we have achieved significant progress, demonstrating the power of teamwork and shared goals. Our collaborative approach ensures we address community needs effectively, leveraging the strengths and resources of all partners involved. We are proud of our achievements and remain focused on strong, cooperative relationships for continued success. Reducing road fatalities and serious injuries remains a priority, balancing enforcement, and education activities. Our partnership approach reinforces our strong road safety message across Moray’s communities to make our roads safer during this reporting period. Moray has tremendous support from our Local Policing Teams, our Police Staff, Special Constables, and Police Scotland Youth Volunteers all of whom have contributed significantly to Moray’s continued success. I also recognise the support provided by our colleagues in specialist roles and national teams who remain committed to delivering effective Policing across Moray and beyond. Graeme Mackie Divisional Commander North East Division Page 14
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Executive Summary Protecting Vulnerable People Reinforcing our commitment to protecting our most vulnerable in society, the Protecting Vulnerable People (PVP) Governance Group was established. This group provides a forum for enhanced scrutiny and oversight of Sexual and Domestic related crime, along with issues pertaining to Adult Support & Protection, across the Division. This is supported by a bespoke data dashboard to better inform trends and reporting. As part of our work to reduce violence against women and girls (VAWG), local governance and scrutiny of domestic crime remains robust. Detection rates for this crime type within North East Division over the reporting period, when compared with previous year, have increased, and exceed the Force average. Our enforcement activities are equally balanced with preventative tactics including the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS), Multi-Agency Tasking & Coordinating (MATAC) and Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC). These forums facilitate multi-agency discussion through which we target the behaviour of perpetrators and support/ safeguard victims and their families. Supporting the wider agenda, we continue to support the Moray VAWG Partnership, actively progressing actions aligned to the current Delivery Plan. We continue to develop and grow our knowledge of and response to Adult Support & Protection matters within our communities, actively participating in and driving work streams via the Moray Adult Protection Committee and Learning Review groups. This is replicated within Child Protection through the Child Protection Committee and the associated Learning Review subgroup. During the reporting period, the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) continued to be embedded across Moray. Across the Division, the specialist team of Police and Social Work staff conducted approximately 87% of Joint Investigative Interviews of children. This far exceeded the initial target of 60%. Their trauma informed approach ensures the needs of the child and those supporting them are at the heart of the decisions made. It is clear the SCIM processes in Moray have enhanced service delivery already, with further developments in train. Moray underwent the Joint Inspection of Children at Risk of Harm during this reporting period, with the results being published earlier this year. The SCIM process was assessed positively within this review and will continue to be developed over the forthcoming year. An improvement plan following the Inspection has been developed which will be delivered on a multi-agency basis through the appropriate subgroups. Serious Organised Crime Operation Protector has continued the multi-agency approach to pro-actively collaborate with partners and support those most vulnerable from the effects of Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) and drugs misuse in our communities. Page 16
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Days of action took place variously across the year with hundreds of individuals engaged with and brought into service, provided with the necessary support and diversion from the harm brought by drugs and those involved in the distribution of such substances. The increase in drug recording overall for the reporting period also displays the continued proactive nature required for enforcement and disruption of Serious Organised Crime groups as the Division continues to lead strongly in our ‘4D’ (Disrupt, Detect, Deter, Disrupt) approach to SOC. Antisocial Behaviour, Violence and Disorder Communities in Moray want to feel safe and reducing antisocial behaviour and violence remains a priority for North East Division. During this reporting period, antisocial behaviour in Moray remained a challenge in some of our communities. These issues must be acknowledged, and we know that tackling the underlying causes should be the focus of multiagency efforts. Together, we are putting in place lasting solutions to tackle and address the harms caused. Our overall performance in relation to non-sexual crimes of violence remains strong. Serious Assaults in particular have decreased alongside an increase in detection rates. We believe that our focus on the crimes causing greatest harm in the community, and the drawing in of partners who help tackle the causes of antisocial behaviour, can continue to keep Moray a safe place. Road Safety and Road Crime We continue to collaborate with our partners across Moray and North East Division, dedicated to road safety and reducing road casualties. With our focus throughout the year aligned with the Fatal Five Campaign, targeting key offences identified as contributory factors associated with fatal and serious injury collisions, we have recorded successes in identified increased offending in many key areas. Our Officers and colleagues from Roads Policing and Community Policing Teams have maintained a visible presence on the road network across Moray supported by delivery of targeted campaigns and initiatives throughout the year. Acquisitive Crime North East Division continues to implement preventative strategies and remains focused to reduce acquisitive crime by working with partners and identifying locations where acquisitive crime is most likely to occur. Crimes of Dishonesty have shown an increase on the previous year overall however, this is significantly impacted by the crime of Theft by Shoplifting. Opportunistic crimes such as Theft from insecure vehicles have also shown an increase. These crime type increases are replicated nationally, and cognisance is taken of the impact the Cost-of-Living crisis is having across the country. Page 17
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL A variety of pro-active engagement with communities and targeting of locations such crimes have taken place. Working with partners who can help facilitate early interventions for those involved is key to reducing acquisitive crime. The Divisional Cyber-Enabled Crime Team continue to engage and support Crime Reduction and local Officers to identify vulnerable groups, to develop ongoing targeted campaigns and to promote awareness of Cyber and prevent such instances utilising the ‘4P’ methodology of Prevent, Prepare, Protect and Pursue. Counter Terrorism & Domestic Extremism We aim to reduce the risk of terrorism so people can go about their lives freely and with confidence by focusing on the local delivery of the CONTEST strategy using four key objectives: PROTECT, PREPARE, PURSUE and PREVENT. Partners in Moray continue to contribute to the local CONTEST delivery plan and significant work continues to take place to ensure Moray is protected against the threat of terrorism, including close liaison with the armed forces at Kinloss and Lossiemouth. Page 18
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Protecting Vulnerable People Objective: Work with statutory and third sector partners to reduce violence against women and girls Police Scotland continues to support the Moray Violence against Women & Girls (VAWG) Partnership. The group is chaired by a Detective Chief Inspector within the Public Protection Unit and supported by several specialist officers. Notably, a Detective Inspector with responsibility for the Divisional Domestic Crime portfolio leads the development of a Grampian wide multi-agency dataset, incorporating all forms of VAWG. Previously this focused on Domestic Abuse only, but now includes Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Honour Based Violence (HBV), Sexual Offences and Stalking and informs performance reporting. Work is now underway to contextualise the data to identify and understand trends, patterns and impacting factors. In a bid to maximise our performance in relation to Domestic Abuse Crime, we devised a bespoke Domestic Crime Guidance document setting the required standards in terms of investigation and victim safeguarding. Following an initial roll out, the process was reviewed and demonstrated improved quality and performance of domestic investigations. Use of the guidance is now well embedded and subject to quality assurance processes. This is further supported by the implementation of a bespoke data dashboard, to help manage and allow critical oversight of all Domestic Abuse investigations, regardless of risk or grading. Our efforts in this regard are positively reflected in a consistent detection rate of over 70%, far exceeding the Force average. Our MATAC (Multi Agency Tasking and Co-ordination) and MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference) processes continue to both robustly target offenders and support victims on a multi-agency basis. Over the reporting period, MATAC referrals within the Division have increased significantly. This demonstrates the effectiveness by which the Division have taken ownership of the MATAC process, ensuring that partners are actively involved and support the targeting of serious and/or repeat domestic perpetrators. Our specialist officers continue to work collaboratively with Rape Crisis Scotland supporting training and developing a sound understanding of respective roles to maximise the level of service provided to survivors. During the reporting period, two senior officers within Police Scotland alongside Dr Emma Plant, our Equally Safe Co-ordinator met with a survivor of domestic abuse, to hear her lived experience both in terms of her personal story and experiences of reporting matters to the Police and the subsequent investigation. Her account highlighted both good practice and areas for development. She and Dr Plant have recorded an interview which will be incorporated into a presentation to be delivered to Moray front line officers as part of their continued professional development. Police Scotland are committed to listening to the voice of lived experience and improving and developing our service through listening to the needs of our community. Page 19
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Objective: Drive the development of multi-agency agendas to minimise harm and support / signpost those we identify as vulnerable towards partners We continued to drive and support positive change through our chairing and representation at the Grampian Wide Adult Protection Group with specialist Officers, through effective collaboration, devising multi-agency information sharing guidance and a financial harm strategy. In February 2024, we supported the delivery of a multi-agency media strategy in support of National Adult Support & Protection Awareness Day, aligning both local and national communications with partner agencies and engaging directly with the media to provide an insight into the work of our specialist Officers and their commitment to supporting those who are vulnerable in our communities. Through Police facilitation, an impactful ‘lived experience’ interview was provided by an individual supported by services which was subsequently reported in the local press, social media, and radio, crucially raising awareness of Adult Support & Protection matters in our communities. Objective: Raise awareness of and prevent abuse of children and other vulnerable persons, ensuring a victim centred approach. The Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) is now well-established across Moray, with Inter Agency Referral Discussions and Joint Investigative Interviews being conducted to a high standard with the wellbeing of the child prioritised at every stage. Our local implementation of the model has been held in high regard nationally and was acknowledged in this year’s Chief Constable’s Excellence Awards, with the Team coming out top in the Service Improvement category. The first annual review of the model’s implementation across the North East has now been completed with evidence clearly showing that the implementation of the SCIM across the North East has meant children are better protected and high quality, child centred evidence is routinely secured. A number of recommendations have also been made to effectively build upon our success. In Moray, work continues in relation to the implementation of the Improvement Plan, devised from the report by the Care Inspectorate following the conclusion of the Joint Inspection of Children and Young People at Risk of Harm. The work highlighted within the plan is being undertaken by subgroups within Moray structures under the Child Protection Committee and the GIRFEC leadership group. Progress will be reported to the Moray Public Protection Chief Officers Group. Tasks are inclusive of work to ensure that young people are provided with opportunities to contribute to strategic planning and the development of a Protection from Serious Harm procedure/guidance in which children’s voices are included as part of that production. We look forward, as a partnership; to delivering on this plan and further enhancing Child Protection services for the communities we serve within Moray. Page 20
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Serious Organised Crime DETECT - Work collaboratively with others to provide a coordinated response to identify, detect and prosecute those involved in serious organised crime North East Divisions innovative approach and collaborative engagement with partners under Operation Protector continues to provide significant support and assistance to those vulnerable to the scourge of drugs. The support mechanisms and diversionary tactics provide protection for those most vulnerable coupled with an enforcement and disruption arm to ensure those involved in drug dealing who would look to abuse those more vulnerable and blight our streets with harm are subject to robust enforcement and all available means are utilised to bring them to justice. As part of Operation Protector, ‘Days of Action’ took place in Moray throughout the months of May, July, August, October and November 2023 and further days in February 2024. Throughout these days several departments from within Police Scotland alongside various external partners were deployed to tackle drug related harm. Safeguarding visits were undertaken with a number of individuals being integrated into support services. Community Safety work was undertaken in the areas where enforcement was done, and other areas affected by drug related harm. Drug Search Warrants were executed with controlled drugs, cash and goods seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Within the ‘Days of Action’ in October, as part of national County Lines intensification week, Rail and Bus Stations were attended where engagement and outreach saw several individuals brought into service, assisted by various external partners. In February 2024 three separate Days of Action were undertaken in Moray. Approximately 100 multi- agency staff, including Police, together with partners from Arrows (Quarriers) and NHS Grampian carried out collaborative engagement and enforcement work. Assertive outreach work comprised over one hundred visits to individuals identified as being at risk of drug related harm and/or violence. As a result, a number of individuals were brought into service and provided with immediate support. In support of the wider days of action, Officers from the Children and Young Person’s team attended at Buckie High School where they interacted with children and young people, providing them with information and advice in respect of drugs and the wider risks of Cuckooing and exploitation through drug dealing and County Lines. This element is to be incorporated into every Operation Protector deployment moving forward. Throughout the reporting period because of pro-active enforcement and disruption by local Policing, Pro-Active teams, Organised Crime teams and national resources there have been a number of Drug Page 21
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Search Warrants executed across Moray. Pro-Activity in this area has shown an increase in total drug crimes recorded against last year’s figures. North East Division continues to show the importance and prevalence of utilising the ‘4D’ method (Disrupt, Detect, Deter, Divert) ensuring those vulnerable to becoming susceptible to drugs and the associated abuse are provided with support, engagement and directed to the relevant partners. Whilst also ensuring the ‘Disrupt’ and ‘Detect’ tactics are employed robustly and efficiently. Page 22
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Antisocial Behaviour, Violence and Disorder Objective: Reduce antisocial behaviour, violence and disorder by working with partners to facilitate early interventions for those involved in, or those vulnerable to becoming involved in, such behaviours The Community Safety Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Task and Finish Group was set up to co-ordinate the multi-agency responses to problematic locations and to support the victims of ASB. With significant progress made, it has drawn in the support of, Elgin BID, Arrows, Aberlour Youth Point, PSYV and Street Pastors. Each with a defined role towards reducing antisocial behaviour and supporting the enforcement elements provided by Police and Community Wardens. Problematic locations in Moray will have joint patrols, maximising both visibility and engagement opportunities with our young people. Experts such as Aberlour Youth Point will be patrolling and working with our vulnerable young people, to make better life choices and towards good citizenship. Our colleagues in Education play a prominent role in terms of having access and engagement with our young people. They remain closely linked, ensuring support from other partners can be drawn in and delivered to those young people who may benefit. Objective: With partners, identify locations where antisocial behaviour and violence is most likely to occur and work with communities and other agencies to find lasting solutions and enhance community safety In support of our Community Policing Teams, our Divisional Alcohol and Violence Reduction Unit has evolved and formed the Community Investigation Unit (CIU) for Moray. Previously responsible for the investigation of more serious crimes, the team are now working alongside our Community Policing Teams and the aforementioned multiagency response, right across Moray, on issues specific to that community. This recognises not all communities have serious crime issues but understands there may be other antisocial behaviour issues that can cause harm. The previous Serious Assault-based focus does not appear to have been negatively impacted with levels both in terms of number and detection rate remaining strong. With the growth and development of the Community Safety Partnership, better multiagency data helps Police target hot spot areas effectively. Additionally, through our work alongside transport companies, we also know that transport hubs are attracting young people as a place to meet. We know that free bus travel is a fantastic opportunity for our young people to gain mobility and travel. We also know however, that those responsible for antisocial behaviour can exploit free travel, coming together for the purposes of ASB, not only at transport hubs but any location. For that reason, resources such as our CIU, with the flexibility to deploy right across Moray, as well as the joint model for deployment alongside partners alluded to, are vital in terms of their flexibility. Page 23
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Objective: Working with partners, we will enhance our understanding of the underlying causes of antisocial behaviour and violence and develop public health approaches to prevent these harms Our work alongside Arrows was recognised with a national award in this reporting period. The exciting work included harnessing Police data to identify those most vulnerable to exploitation by Serious and Organised Crime Groups, such as those with addiction. This partnership saw significant numbers of people supported by Arrows to better manage addiction. We know that a minority of people with addiction can often feel desperation and at times can perpetrate serious crime to fund an addiction. Therefore, support must absolutely be directed towards them. We also know that those vulnerable to exploitation are often victims of serious crime, because of their vulnerabilities. Our work alongside Licensing colleagues ensures that Moray’s licensed premises remain a safe place for people to enjoy. Within this reporting period, Health Colleagues came on board, recognising the health impacts of alcohol consumption. Allowing for health-based discussions around licensing provision and public event delivery, two MacMoray festivals have been delivered demonstrating that partnership working can deliver first class events safely and well in Moray. It is essential we deal strongly with those perpetrating alcohol fuelled violence and our Weekend Policing plans help us deploy resources in the right places to meet demands often associated to licensed premises. Licensed premises across Moray continue to draw thousands of people each year and we want people to be and feel safe. It is therefore also essential we maintain our strong links with Licensing colleagues and through schemes such as Pub Watch, maintain links to the premises themselves. Partnership working ensures that premises are run well, with a strong focus on reducing disorder. We would also like to celebrate our volunteers, including our Special Constables who selflessly give up their time, often to form part of our Weekend Policing Plans. Also volunteers and who must be acknowledged are the Street Pastors. Police Scotland are proud to have provided funding to the Street Pastors whose presence has helped support many who have become vulnerable because of alcohol consumption. Page 24
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Road Safety and Road Crime Objective: With partners on the North East Safety Strategy Partnership (NESSSP), increase safety and reduce casualties on our roads The Priority Routes for Moray are the A96, A941, A920 and the A95. Data provides that motorcyclists are disproportionately affected on these routes. As part of the ongoing National Motorcycle Safety Campaign which runs from 29 March – 27 September 2024, we will continue to deploy our resources along with partners on key motorcycle routes such as A939, A941 and the A95. Further work in response to motorcycle safety is delivered in Moray through ‘Rider Refinement North’. This is a bespoke one-day course delivered to voluntary attendees from the motorcycling community and aims to raise road safety awareness and encourage riders to think about the consequences of risk-taking behaviour. Led by Police Advanced Motorcyclists and accompanied by an Institute of Advance Motorists observer, the course considers key risk factors and provides riders with the knowledge and skills to ride in a safe manner. The course involves demonstration rides and observation rides with feedback from Officers, and inputs on pre-ride motorcycle examination/safety checks. We recognise that visitors from across the world make use of our road network when enjoying a holiday to the area, often having to drive on the opposite side of the road to their home nation. Along with our Partners within the Visitor Management structures, Police Scotland aims to reduce the risk of collision through education and distribution of road safety advice such as ‘drive on the left’ wrist bands and other associated material. Objective: Improve road safety by proactively targeting drink and drug drivers Much of the focus in respect of Road Safety and Road Crime on Moray’s roads has been linked to the Fatal Five Campaign. This campaign was produced following in depth analytical work around the key contributory factors linked to Fatal and Serious Injury Collisions, namely, Careless Driving, Speeding, Seatbelt Offences, Use of Mobile Phone and Drink/Drug Driving. Officers from Road Policing Division and from our Community Policing Teams are visible across the local road network targeting the Fatal Five offences. This targeted approach has seen an increased detection of drink and drug related driving offences. Page 25
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Acquisitive Crime Objective: Reduce acquisitive crime, by identifying locations where acquisitive crime is most likely to occur and work with communities and partners to find lasting preventative solutions Despite the overall increase in Group 3 Crimes of Dishonesty this is significantly impacted by Theft by Shoplifting. Notably, key crime types such as Theft by Housebreaking and Theft of Motor Vehicle which have significant impact on the victims of those crime and their families have shown reductions. Housebreakings, whether it be domestic, commercial premises or non-dwelling have all seen a decrease in recorded crime. Similarly, the crime of Theft of a Motor Vehicle and the forcing open of same have seen noticeable reductions. However, Theft from insecure vehicles continues the trend of an increase in opportunistic crimes being perpetrated. Crime Reduction staff have a key role to play in this area to engage with partners and the public to highlight such instances, identify crime types and locations where acquisitive crime may occur and provide appropriate guidance to put a stop to such opportunistic crimes. The pro-active engagement with communities and targeting of locations where crime trends and emerging patterns have taken place, and correlation with key crime types have clearly shown positive results in Housebreakings, Fraud, and most Motor Vehicle crime. The reduction in reported Fraud during the reported period follows significant engagement with the public to highlight Cybercrime and those vulnerable to it. The Crime Reduction Unit continue to work with the Divisional Cyber Enabled Crime Team (DCECT) to promote awareness of Cyber and prevent such instances utilising the ‘4P’ methodology of Prevent, Prepare, Protect and Pursue. Significant engagement has taken place across Moray regarding Frauds, Scams, and banking protocol with events at Keith, Buckie, Elgin, Cullen, Dufftown, Aberlour and Rothes. Crime Reduction teamed up with National Rural Crime Team and Scottish Partnership Against Acquisitive Crime regarding tool, plant, and equipment theft prevention. The event took place at Highland Industrial Supplies, Elgin. Over 100 tradesman and business owners attended and engaged. Page 26
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL As part of the Rural Crime Roadshow, Crime Reduction Officers also visited agricultural venues across the North East to raise awareness of acquisitive rural crime providing advice and guidance to upskill agricultural communities and reduce the risk of such crime. Individuals were provided with Selecta DNA kits they can use to protect their agricultural machinery. Officers also supported Trading Standards Officers in Moray as they launched their Trusted Trader Scheme. The Scheme provides a ‘go to’ list of Council backed local traders who are vetted with the support of Police Scotland. Case Study In April and May 2023 break ins occurred at domestic dwellings across the North East with properties in Elgin targeted in May. The owners of the respective properties had local businesses and it was quickly identified this crime type featured as part of an Organised Crime Group targeting business owners across the United Kingdom. North East Division Pro-Active Unit took ownership of the enquiries. Significant enquiry took place with CCTV, telecommunications, intelligence review and conventional enquiries, along with links into several Divisions and Police forces across the United Kingdom. This resulted in the identification of South American nominals perpetrating these crimes. Warrants were submitted to the Procurator Fiscal Service and with assistance of other Divisions and Departments under direction of the Pro-Active unit a motor vehicle was stopped trying to leave Scotland with four occupants on board along with a quantity of stolen property. Ultimately two males and two females were charged with seven Theft by Housebreakings, Theft, and further offences and brought to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff court. Page 27
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Counter Terrorism & Domestic Extremism The North East CONTEST Multi-Agency Board and associated subgroups continue to deliver the UK CONTEST Strategy across the North East of Scotland, aiming to reduce the risks of terrorism using the Prevent, Pursue, Protect and Prepare principles. • PROTECT – strengthening our borders, infrastructure, buildings, and public spaces against attack. • PREPARE – where an attack cannot be stopped, to reduce its impact and ensuring we can respond effectively. • PURSUE – to disrupt or stop terrorist attacks. • PREVENT – to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. In line with the Moray Local Policing Plan, we aim to reduce the risk of terrorism so people can go about their lives freely and with confidence by focusing on the local delivery of the CONTEST strategy using four key objectives: PROTECT – with partners we will share knowledge so that our communities and businesses can strengthen protection against terrorist attacks In the last year, Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSA’s) conducted six security inspection visits to sites of a sensitive nature and twelve security presentations to key organisations and partners in Moray, including the whisky industry. CTSA’s continue to work closely with the RAF at Lossiemouth and in November, a joint exercise was held between Police and RAF staff at the Scottish Police College reviewing Counter Terrorism related security and safety plans at the base. Hostile Reconnaissance guidance was also provided to the MacMoray Festival and Document Security Awareness Training has been provided to several organisations across Moray. An exercise was also held in November, which brought together multi- agency responders with the aim of familiarising, testing, and exercising the response to diverted aircraft. Whereas this was held at Prestwick Airport, it was supported and attended by RAF Lossiemouth, where the JESEP (Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme) for joint emergency services working were tested. Page 28
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Borders Policing Command Officers continue to conduct operations at Harbours to proactively identify and deal with the illegitimate passage of persons and goods. PREPARE – with partners we will mitigate against the impact of terrorist attacks In November 2023, the Joint Operating Principles for the Emergency Services for Marauding Terrorist Attacks and Operation Plato Guidance for UK Policing were updated regarding learning derived from the Grenfell Tower and Manchester Arena Inquiries. These place a greater emphasis on emergency services responding quickly and dynamically to save life and neutralise threats, whilst also updating guidance in relation to Scene Command, Casualty Management and Fire & Hazards. Officers from our Counter Terrorism Planning Teams are working alongside partners and local Officers to embed these approaches. Following Storm BABET a multi-agency Severe Weather Warning Workshop was held where Counter Terrorism Planning Teams engaged with relevant responders to gather learning and upskill local partnerships linked to emergency responses during Major Incidents. A workshop was held in December to review the joint CT plan for RAF Lossiemouth and over the last year, there have been three Project Servator deployments at RAF Lossiemouth, helping build a network of vigilance from business and community partners, alongside the general public. PURSUE – with partners encourage and share information to identify and tackle suspicious activity The PURSUE strategy allows National Counter Terrorism structures within Police Scotland to provide information and assessments to North East Division’s CONTEST Multi-Agency Board. This process informs Moray Policing teams and local Partners on emerging themes and other relevant matters. All information and intelligence relevant to Counter Terrorism is assessed and actioned appropriately by Counter Terrorism resources based within North East Division. There has been no significant deviation in terms of expected volume or trends during this period within Moray, however the Local CONTEST Board, Local Contest Liaison Officers (LCLO’s) and national Police structures are in place to monitor and respond appropriately. PREVENT – with partners safeguard vulnerable persons from being drawn into Terrorism Within Police Scotland a ‘Prevent’ referral process is in place which allows Police and partners to assess and respond to information and intelligence which may require early intervention and safeguarding from potential harm which could be caused by individuals. This process is well established across the North East with representation from relevant partners to ensure wide ranging professions are present and perspectives gained to collectively manage people who are vulnerable to radicalisation. Such work is ongoing in Moray and there has been no significant deviation or trends in this area which cause additional concern. Page 29
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Performance statistics These statistics can be found in their expanded form at: How we are performing - Police Scotland Moray Council by selected crime classifications Recorded Crime by group/classification Year-to-date (April - March) 2022/23 5 yr mean 2023/24 TOTAL CRIMES AND OFFENCES (GROUPS 1 - 7) 6 105 6 204.8 6 432 TOTAL CRIMES (GROUPS 1 - 5) 2 818 2 679.6 2 967 OVERALL VIOLENT CRIME 1 069 949.8 995 TOTAL OFFENCES (GROUPS 6 - 7) 3 287 3 525.2 3 465 GROUP 1: NON SEXUAL CRIMES OF VIOLENCE 181 145.0 185 Murder (excluding culpable homicide at common law) 1 0.4 2 Culpable homicide (at common law) - - - Culpable homicide (under statute including RTA, sec. 1) 1 1.0 - Attempted murder 9 6.0 6 Serious assault 49 47.8 41 Robbery and assault with intent to rob 13 14.0 24 Domestic Abuse (of female) 39 x 52 Domestic Abuse (of male) 5 x 4 Domestic Abuse (Total) 44 x 56 Cruel & Unnatural treatment of children 11 7.0 10 Threats and extortion 42 20.0 37 Other group 1 crimes 11 6.0 9 GROUP 2: SEXUAL CRIMES 311 265.2 342 Rape 56 40.8 47 Assault w/i to rape or ravish 2 2.0 2 Rape and attempted rape - Total 58 42.8 49 Sexual assault (pre-SOSA 2009) 3 4.4 5 Sexual assault (SOSA 2009) 117 72.2 109 Lewd & libidinous practices 15 20.4 15 Indecent/Sexual Assault - Total 135 97.0 129 Prostitution related crime - Total - - - Taking, distribution, possession of indecent photos of children 19 16.8 14 Page 30
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Communicating indecently (SOSA 2009) 20 27.2 44 Communications Act 2003 (sexual) 12 10.0 6 Sexual exposure (SOSA 2009) 6 4.4 2 Public indecency (common law) 3 6.0 7 Other sexual crimes (SOSA 2009) 38 40.2 69 Other sexual crimes (non-SOSA 2009) 2 7.4 9 Threatening / Disclosure of intimate image 18 13.4 13 Other Group 2 crimes - - - Other Group 2 crimes - Total 118 125.4 164 GROUP 3: CRIMES OF DISHONESTY 913 885.8 1 011 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - dwelling house 45 44.2 32 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - non dwelling 29 23.6 26 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - other premises 40 41.4 32 Housebreaking (incl. Attempts) - Total 114 109.2 90 Opening Lockfast Places - Motor Vehicle 8 8.0 2 Theft of a motor vehicle 64 38.6 58 Theft from a Motor Vehicle (Insecure etc) 25 28.6 34 Attempt theft of motor vehicle 6 3.2 12 Motor vehicle crime - Total 103 78.4 106 Opening Lockfast Places - NOT Motor Vehicle 22 24.2 14 Common theft 237 243.6 246 Theft by shoplifting 173 204.6 306 Fraud 215 154.4 194 Other Group 3 Crimes 49 71.4 55 GROUP 4: FIRE-RAISING, MALICIOUS MISCHIEF etc 608 574.0 631 Fireraising 42 36.2 54 Vandalism (including malicious mischief) 541 509.4 547 Reckless conduct (with firearms) 1 0.4 - Culpable and reckless conduct (not with firearms) 20 26.6 25 Other Group 4 Crimes 4 1.4 5 GROUP 5: OTHER (PRO-ACTIVITY) CRIMES 805 809.6 798 Carrying offensive weapons (inc. restriction) 17 14.6 25 Handling bladed/pointed instrument 22 22.4 32 Offensive weapon (used in other criminal activity) 26 23.2 24 Bladed/pointed instrument (used in other criminal activity) 15 14.6 28 Total offensive/bladed weapons 80 74.8 109 Production, manufacture, or cultivation of drugs 8 6.0 2 Supply of drugs (incl. possession with intent) 55 39.8 41 Bringing drugs into prison - - - Supply of drugs - Total 63 45.8 43 Possession of drugs 327 323.8 353 Other drugs offences (incl. importation) - 4.6 - Total drugs crimes 390 374.2 396 Offences relating to serious and organised crime 3 1.0 - Bail offences (other than absconding) 156 188.2 134 Page 31
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Other Group 5 crimes 176 171.4 159 GROUP 6: MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES 1 779 1 721.0 1 658 Common Assault 875 776.2 815 Common Assault (of emergency workers) 122 105.4 107 Common Assault - Total 997 881.6 922 Breach of the Peace 28 26.8 29 Threatening & abusive behaviour 472 518.6 469 Stalking 21 19.0 21 BOP, S38 & S39 Crim Just & Lic (S) Act 2010 - Total 521 564.4 519 Racially aggravated harassment/conduct 18 16.0 19 Drunk and incapable - 0.8 3 Consume alcohol in designated place local bye-law 7 2.8 1 Other alcohol related offences 7 14.8 8 Drunkenness and other disorderly conduct (TOTAL) 14 18.4 12 Wildlife offences 14 16.6 10 Other Group 6 offences 215 224.0 176 GROUP 7: OFFENCES RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES 1 508 1 804.2 1 807 Dangerous driving offences 47 50.8 38 Drink, Drug driving offences incl. Failure to provide a specimen 146 114.2 185 Speeding offences 124 320.8 135 Driving while disqualified 23 16.2 21 Driving without a licence 88 81.8 97 Failure to insure against third party risks 207 199.0 303 Seat belt offences 13 32.8 22 Mobile phone offences 46 49.4 87 Driving Carelessly 119 130.8 132 Drivers neglect of traffic directions (NOT pedestrian crossings) 97 82.2 129 Using a motor vehicle without test certificate 167 202.8 196 Other Group 7 offences 431 523.4 462 Detection Rates by group/classification Year-to-date (April - March) 2022/23 5 yr rate1 2023/24 TOTAL CRIMES AND OFFENCES (GROUPS 1 - 7) 69.2 74.0 73.3 TOTAL CRIMES; INCLUDING PRO-ACTIVITY (GROUPS 1 - 5) 55.9 60.5 58.3 OVERALL VIOLENT CRIME 69.4 72.6 78.0 TOTAL OFFENCES (GROUPS 6 - 7) 80.6 84.3 86.2 GROUP 1: NON SEXUAL CRIMES OF VIOLENCE 56.4 71.0 70.8 Murder (excluding culpable homicide at common law) 100.0 100.0 100.0 Page 32
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Culpable homicide (at common law) x x x Culpable homicide (under statute including RTA, sec. 1) 100.0 100.0 x Attempted murder 100.0 96.7 116.7 Serious assault 83.7 89.5 109.8 Robbery and assault with intent to rob 69.2 78.6 62.5 Domestic Abuse (of female) 46.2 x 78.8 Domestic Abuse (of male) 40.0 x 25.0 Domestic Abuse (Total) 45.5 x 75.0 Cruel & Unnatural treatment of children 127.3 85.7 100.0 Threats and extortion 7.1 11.0 13.5 Other group 1 crimes 36.4 70.0 55.6 GROUP 2: SEXUAL CRIMES 50.5 55.4 61.1 Rape 46.4 55.9 70.2 Assault w/i to rape or ravish 100.0 60.0 50.0 Rape and attempted rape - Total 48.3 56.1 69.4 Sexual assault (pre-SOSA 2009) 33.3 59.1 40.0 Sexual assault (SOSA 2009) 53.8 56.8 55.0 Lewd & libidinous practices* 40.0 59.8 126.7 Indecent/Sexual Assault - Total 51.9 57.5 62.8 Prostitution related crime - Total x x x Taking, distribution, possession of indecent photos of children 84.2 83.3 85.7 Communicating indecently (SOSA 2009) 50.0 55.9 54.5 Communications Act 2003 (sexual) 33.3 40.0 66.7 Sexual exposure (SOSA 2009) 66.7 54.5 100.0 Public indecency (common law) 66.7 66.7 42.9 Other sexual crimes (SOSA 2009) 36.8 40.8 43.5 Other sexual crimes (non-SOSA 2009) 100.0 70.3 111.1 Threatening / Disclosure of intimate image 38.9 43.3 69.2 Other Group 2 crimes x x x Other Group 2 crimes - Total 50.0 53.4 57.3 GROUP 3: CRIMES OF DISHONESTY 32.2 43.0 43.1 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - dwelling house 40.0 36.2 37.5 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - non dwelling 17.2 32.2 23.1 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - other premises 45.0 36.2 59.4 Housebreaking (incl. Attempts) - Total 36.0 35.3 41.1 Opening Lockfast Places - Motor Vehicle 25.0 12.5 0.0 Theft of a motor vehicle 62.5 68.9 72.4 Theft from a Motor Vehicle (Insecure etc) 40.0 30.1 35.3 Attempt theft of motor vehicle 66.7 68.8 75.0 Motor vehicle crime - Total 54.4 49.0 59.4 Opening Lockfast Places - NOT Motor Vehicle 27.3 27.3 28.6 Common theft 26.2 30.2 30.1 Theft by shoplifting 53.8 74.3 68.0 Fraud 10.2 23.1 12.4 Other Group 3 Crimes 28.6 50.1 47.3 GROUP 4: FIRE-RAISING, MALICIOUS MISCHIEF etc 35.4 35.6 33.9 Fireraising 26.2 29.8 42.6 Vandalism (including malicious mischief) 33.6 34.4 32.5 Reckless conduct (with firearms) 100.0 50.0 x Page 33
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Culpable and reckless conduct (not with firearms) 100.0 65.4 48.0 Other Group 4 Crimes 25.0 28.6 20.0 GROUP 5: OTHER (PRO-ACTIVITY) CRIMES 100.4 97.3 92.6 Carrying offensive weapons (incl. restriction) 76.5 87.7 100.0 Handling bladed/pointed instrument* 81.8 92.9 84.4 Offensive weapon (used in other criminal activity) 88.5 80.2 87.5 Bladed/pointed instrument (used in other criminal activity) 80.0 75.3 82.1 Total offensive/bladed weapons 82.5 84.5 88.1 Production, manufacture, or cultivation of drugs 87.5 96.7 50.0 Supply of drugs (incl. possession with intent) 90.9 97.5 75.6 Bringing drugs into prison x x x Supply of drugs - Total 90.5 97.4 74.4 Possession of drugs 107.0 98.3 95.5 Other drugs offences (incl. importation) x 91.3 x Total drugs crimes 104.4 98.1 93.2 Offences relating to serious and organised crime 100.0 100.0 x Bail offences (other than absconding) 99.4 98.9 93.3 Other Group 5 crimes 100.6 99.3 93.7 GROUP 6: MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES 73.5 75.5 78.6 Common Assault 64.0 67.6 73.7 Common Assault (of emergency workers) 100.0 99.8 99.1 Common Assault - Total 68.4 71.4 76.7 Breach of the Peace 107.1 103.0 103.4 Threatening & abusive behaviour 83.7 82.3 81.7 Stalking 109.5 70.5 100.0 BOP, S38 & S39 Crim Just & Lic (S) Act 2010 - Total 86.0 82.8 83.6 Racially aggravated harassment/conduct 94.4 95.0 89.5 Drunk and incapable x 100.0 100.0 Consume alcohol in designated place local bye-law 100.0 92.9 100.0 Other alcohol related offences 114.3 98.6 87.5 Drunkenness and other disorderly conduct (TOTAL) 121.4 97.8 91.7 Wildlife offences 78.6 56.6 50.0 Other Group 6 offences 61.4 71.2 73.3 GROUP 7: OFFENCES RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES 88.9 92.7 93.2 Dangerous driving offences 76.6 87.4 84.2 Drink, Drug driving offences incl. Failure to provide a specimen 87.7 93.7 97.3 Speeding offences 100.8 99.6 100.7 Driving while disqualified 100.0 100.0 104.8 Driving without a licence 100.0 100.5 101.0 Failure to insure against third party risks 101.0 100.0 100.7 Seat belt offences 100.0 100.0 100.0 Mobile phone offences 100.0 99.6 96.6 Driving Carelessly 89.1 88.4 92.4 Drivers neglect of traffic directions (NOT pedestrian crossings) 100.0 99.8 121.7 Using a motor vehicle without test certificate 100.0 99.5 100.0 Other Group 7 offences 70.3 80.7 71.6 Page 34
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REPORT TO: POLICE AND FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES COMMITTEE ON 15 AUGUST 2024 SUBJECT: SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE MORAY PEFORMANCE REPORT 1 JANUARY 2024 – 1 AUGUST 2024 BY: LSO ANDREW WRIGHT, LOCAL SENIOR OFFICER, ABERDEEN CITY, ABERDEENSHIRE & MORAY 1. REASON FOR REPORT 1.1 To inform the Committee of the performance undertaken by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) locally and in respect of the Moray Local Fire and Rescue Plan 2021-24. 1.2 This report is submitted to Committee in terms of Section III (J) of the Council's Scheme of Administration relating to relating to Police and Fire and Rescue Services in Moray. 2. REASON FOR CONFIDENTIALIY 2.1 This report contains no confidential information. 3. RECOMMENDATION 3.1 It is recommended that the Committee consider and note performance outlined in the report applicable to annual performance for 1 January 2024 to 1 August 2024. 4. BACKGROUND 4.1 The Moray Local Fire and Rescue Plan 2021-2024 was approved by this Committee for and on behalf of the Local Authority. 4.2 Section 41H Provision of information to local authority of The Police and Fire (Scotland) Reform Act 2012, states: Item 6. Page 35
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• SFRS must give to a local authority such information or reports relating to the carrying out of SFRS’s functions in the authority’s area (including reports given by reference to any local fire and rescue plan in force for the area) as the authority may reasonably request. 4.3 The performance report provides those outcomes, as per Section 41H and 41K of the Act, applicable to the annual Moray Ward Performance Report for The Moray Council Area in the context of the Moray Local Fire and Rescue Plan 2021-24. 4.4 The information contained within the report on Appendix 1 details local area performance for period 1 January 2024 to 1 August 2024. 5. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS (a) Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP) The discharging of the Council’s responsibilities in relation to the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 is of direct relevance to the delivery of the Council’s responsibilities in relation to Community Planning and the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (b) Policy and Legal This report is brought before the Moray Police and Fire Committee within its remit for local scrutiny and governance arrangements. (c) Financial implications There are no financial implications arising from this report. (d) Risk Implications There are no risk implications arising from this report (e) Staffing Implications There are no staffing implications arising from this report (f) Property There are no staffing implications arising from this report (g) Equalities/Socio Economic Impact Not Applicable (h) Consultations Not Applicable 6. CONCLUSION 6.1 The report provides the Committee with the local performance outcomes relative to the priorities agreed in the Moray Local Fire and Rescue Plan 2021-24, for annual performance 1 January 2024 to 1 August 2024. Page 36
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Author of Report: Andrew Wright, LSO, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire & Moray Page 37
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YEAR TO DATE MONITORING REPORT Covering the performance in support of the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021-24 January 2024 to August 2024 Item 6. Page 39
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2 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance ABOUT THE STATISTICS IN THIS REPORT The activity totals and other statistics quoted in this report are provisional in nature and subject to change as a result of ongoing quality assurance and review. Because all statistics quoted are provisional there may be differences in the period totals quoted in our reports after original publication which result from revisions or additions to the data on our systems. From 2015-16 onwards responsibility for the publication of end-year statistical data transferred from the Scottish Government to the SFRS. This change of responsibility does not change the status of the figures quoted in this and other SFRS reports reported to the Committee. Page 40
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3 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Introduction 5 Year to Date Performance Summary 6 Year to Date Performance Highlights 7 Priority 1 – Unintentional Harm & Home Safety 8 Number of Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADF) 8-10 Number of ADF Fatal Casualties 8-10 Number of ADF Non-Fatal Casualties 8-10 Priority 2 – Non-Fire Emergencies 11-13 Number of Special Service Incidents 11-13 Priority 3 – Anti-Social Behaviour 14-15 Number of Deliberate Fires 14-15 Priority 4 – Non-Domestic Fire Safety 16-18 Number of Non-Domestic Building Fires 16-18 Number of Accidental ‘Other’ Primary and Secondary Fires 16-18 Priority 5 – Reducing UFAS Incidents 19-20 Number of UFAS Incidents 19-20 Priority 6 – Emergency Response & Community Resilience 21-22 Page 41
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5 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Moray Area performance report for the reporting period 1st January 2024 to 1st August 2024. The report is aligned to and reports on progress against the priorities set out in the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024. The information presented in this report provides a comparison against key performance indicators, the selected performance indicators are selected to best inform and support the priorities within the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021-2024. Each indicator displays the activity reflecting performance for year to date vs. a specific target OR previous 3 years rolling average. The performance indicators within the report support the local priorities: • Priority 1 – Unintentional Harm & Home Safety • Priority 2 – Non-Fire Emergencies • Priority 3 – Deliberate Fire Setting • Priority 4 – Non-Domestic Fire Safety Including Accidental Primary & Secondary Fires • Priority 5 – Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals • Priority 6 – Emergency Response & Community Resilience As well as supporting the six priorities in the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray, this monitoring report shows how SFRS activities and performance contribute to the wider priorities of the Moray Community Partnership 10 Year Local Outcomes Improvement Plan. The figures in this report are provisional, to provide the Committee with the SFRS’s direction of travel in the Moray area, in terms of performance against headline indicators and targets. Most figures will not change; however, members should note that there may be some small variations for some indicators when the final confirmed figures are published by the SFRS. Page 43
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6 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance PERFORMANCE SUMMARY The table below provides a summary of the year to date performance against headline indicators and annual targets. It aims to provide – at a glance – our direction of travel during the current reporting year. Performance against Moray Local Fire and Rescue Plan Year-to-Date Legend Below 3 Year Average Less than 10% above 3 Year Average More than 10% above 3 Year Average January to August RAG STATUS Key Performance Indicator 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 All Accidental Dwelling Fires 26 29 33 25 All Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties & (Fatalities) 9 (1) 7 (0) 4 (1) 3 (0) Special Service All 106 106 151 161 All Deliberate Fires 85 68 87 49 Non- Domestic Fires 19 22 26 18 UFAS 204 253 220 47 Page 44
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7 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS Of the 6 Priority areas, the following performance should be noted for the year to date 2024/25: Accidental Dwelling Fires The statistics against the key performance indicators show that we have a reduction compared to the three-year rolling average for Accidental Dwelling Fires. SFRS continue to work with partners to provide support and assistance to the most vulnerable in our local communities, reducing the risk of fire within homes. Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties & Fatalities Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties have seen a decrease compared to the three-year average. There have been no Fire Fatalities in the Moray area during this reporting period. Special Service All Special Service Calls have had a continued increase compared to the three-year average. The categories of Special Service with the highest number of calls were and Effecting Entry, assisting other agencies and RTC. SFRS continue to work closely with partners to address these areas with targeted education within our local communities. Deliberate Fires Deliberate Fires have reduced well compared to the three-year average. We have targeted the root causes of deliberate fires. Particularly wilful fire raising within the Elgin town centre and Area specific wilful fire raising and grassland/scrub, which, had contributed to the bulk of the calls in 24/25.SFRS personnel continue to engage with land owners, the local authority, local community groups and tourisms/visitors to the area. Some good partnership working with Police Scotland has resulted in a number of arrests for deliberate fire setting during the reporting period. Non-Domestic Fires Non- Domestic Fires have reduced compared to the three-year average with resources attending 18 incidents covering a variety of premise types. We continue to work with owners and occupiers through our Fire Safety Enforcement Programme and Post Fire Audits to reduce the number of Non-Domestic Fires. False Alarm – UFAS UFAS incidents have decreased further during the last period and are now sitting substantially below the three-year average. This is predominantly due to the introduction of our new UFAS policy in July 2023. This is covered in more detail in our thematic report. Page 45
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8 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance PRIORITY 1 – UNINTENTIONAL HARM & HOME SAFETY Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADF) Table 1: Year to Date (April to January) Performance 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 YTD ADF’s 26 29 33 25 GREEN ADF Fatal Casualties & - ADF Non-Fatal Casualties Table 2: Year to Date (April to January) Performance 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 YTD ADF Fatal Casualties 1 0 1 0 GREEN ADF Non-Fatal Casualties 8 7 3 3 GREEN 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 January - August Incidents 3yr Average Rate per 10,000 Population (Moray) 0 5 10 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 January - August ADF Fatal Fire Casualties ADF Non-Fatal Fire Casualties 3yr Average (all casualties) Casualty rate per 10,000 Population (Moray) Page 46
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9 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance Accidental Dwelling Fires Committee 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Buckie 1 7 6 3 Elgin City North 6 2 7 5 Elgin City South 4 4 5 5 Forres 9 5 2 2 Keith & Cullen 1 4 2 4 Heldon & Laich 2 2 6 3 Fochabers & Lhanbryde 2 3 4 1 Speyside & Glenlivet 1 2 1 1 Total 26 29 33 24 Indicator Description The largest single type of primary fire in Moray is accidental fires in the home and their prevention is a key focus of the Service’s community safety activity. Our aim is to reduce the rate of ADF’s by keeping these incidents below the three-year average for 2024/25. The reduction of fire casualties is clearly linked to our priority “Unintentional Harm and Home Safety”. The reduction of fire fatalities and casualties is at the core of our preventative and early intervention activities carried out by SFRS in the Moray area. Significant contributory factors associated with the number of fire casualties and fatalities include, lifestyle, independent living strategies, smoking, consumption of alcohol and prescribed and non- prescribed drugs, Individual capacity and vulnerability, and ageing demographics. ADF Fatal Casualties This indicator counts those people for whom fire has been clearly identified as the cause of death, even if they die some-time after the actual fire. Those who die at, or after, the fire but where fire is not identified as the cause of death are not included in these figures. Our aim is to have Zero ADF Fatal Casualties, in Moray during 2024/25 ADF Non-Fatal Casualties This Indicator counts all types of non-fatal fire injury in the home, including precautionary checks. Our aim is to reduce the risk of injury from fire in the home by keeping fire injuries below the three-year average during 2024/25. What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority One: Unintentional Harm & Home Safety, our activities will also support the long-term ambition of the Moray 10 Year Plan and supports achievement of the following local outcomes: • Building a better future for our children and young people in Moray • Empowering and connecting communities • Growing, diverse and sustainable economy • Changing our relationship with alcohol Page 47
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10 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance Performance Management There have been 25 ADF’s reported during the reporting period, which is a reduction on the three-year average. We are therefore showing green against the annual target. Accidental dwelling fires can have a significant negative impact upon both individuals, the wider community and are financially costly to house holders and housing providers in terms of repair and the reinstatement of homes. Key contributory risk factors include, lifestyle, independent living strategies, smoking, consumption of alcohol and prescribed and non-prescribed drugs. Individual capability and vulnerability, and aging demographics. We are delighted to report there have been 0 ADF Fatal Casualties during the reporting period. We are therefore showing Green for achieving the annual target. There has been 3 ADF Non-Fatal Casualties for the reporting period, which is below the three- year average, so we are showing green for achieving the annual target. Home Fire Safety Visits remain a key focus in our community safety activity to reduce accidental dwelling fires and casualties resulting from these. We continue to explore and develop partnerships throughout the area to identify those most vulnerable and/or at risk from fire and/or harm in the home. Through our contribution to Moray Community Safety Hub and the Community Planning Partnership collectively we have raised awareness of our referral process and promote a better understanding of fire risk in the home. The figures presented below show the number of Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV) delivered year-to-date compared to the same period 2023/24: 2023 / 24 2024 / 25 High 136 171 Medium 35 85 Low 3 78 Total 174 324 The delivery of HFSV’s to date have increased compared to the same reporting period last year. The SFRS focus remains on delivery of high HFSV’s to target the most vulnerable with our communities and these are being carried out by both our Community Action Teams as well as operational front-line staff. We continue to monitor emerging risk and will adjust our delivery strategy in line with Scottish Government guidance, to protect both the public and our staff. Page 48
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11 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance PRIORITY 2 – NON-FIRE EMERGENCIES All Non-Fire Emergencies Table 3: Year to Date (April to January) Performance 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 YTD All Non – Fire Emergencies 106 106 151 161 RED Road Traffic Collisions Table 4: Year to Date (April to January) Performance 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 YTD Road Traffic Collisions 20 21 28 21 GREEN Fatal RTC Casualties 3 0 1 5 RED Non-Fatal RTC Casualties 12 5 15 15 RED 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 January - August Special Service 3yr Average Rate per 10,000 population (Moray) 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 21/22 22/23 23/24 23/24 January - August Road Traffic Collisions 3yr Average Rate per 10,000 population (Moray) Page 49
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12 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance Indicator Description A core part of SFRS activity locally is responding to Non-Fire Emergencies such as road traffic collisions (RTCs), other rescue situations and flooding. Firefighters are trained to a high standard and have at their disposal the most modern equipment for extracting people in rescue situations and administrating first aid to casualties. As well as our operational response we are actively involved in preventing accidents from occurring through our work with the Moray Community Safety Hub and Public Protection Partnership. SFRS Personnel in Moray are delivering the “Bikerdown” safety initiative which looks to engage with and educate members of the Motorcycle community. What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority Three: Non-Fire Emergencies, our activities will also support the long-term ambition of the Moray 10 Year Plan and supports achievement of the following local outcomes: • Building a better future for our children and young people in Moray • Empowering and connecting communities • Growing, diverse and sustainable economy • Changing our relationship with alcohol • All Non-Fire Emergency (Ward Area) Committee 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Buckie 6 8 12 11 Elgin City North 17 19 18 21 Elgin City South 13 24 23 35 Forres 20 12 20 21 Keith & Cullen 15 13 18 17 Heldon & Laich 10 13 18 26 Fochabers & Lhanbryde 12 10 13 12 Speyside & Glenlivet 13 7 24 18 Total 106 106 151 161 Page 50
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13 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance Performance Management Special Service Incidents have increased for the reporting period when compared to the average over the last 3 years, with 161 incidents attended. We are therefore showing red for this target. We continue to experience an increased request for assistance from partner agencies which falls under the incident type of special service, these incidents continue to increase but SFRS are committed to supporting our partners. Out with RTC’s the most common form of Non-Fire Emergencies was effecting entry of which there were 55, and calls to assist other agencies of which there were 26. Incidents also included 21 road traffic collisions, as well as a small number of animal rescues and flooding’s. Over the reporting period the overall RTC incidents the SFRS have attended has decreased against the 3-year average and therefore we are showing green against the annual target. For the reporting period there has been an increase in both the Non-Fatal RTC Casualties and Fatal RTC Casualties against the 3-year average and therefore we are showing red against the annual target. Sadly, we have had 5 RTC Fatalities within the Moray Area for the reporting period. We continue working with partners through the Community Planning Partnership to reduce the number of casualties on our roads. In addition, we are working with partners agencies to share knowledge and experience when dealing with Non- Fire Emergencies. Prevention is a key role of the SFRS locally and this extends to our expansion in the role of reducing unintentional harm and identification of a wide range of risks. We continue to promote Road Safety through our Annual Station Plans and our involvement with Road Safety Groups at both a Strategic and Operational level. Page 51
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14 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance PRIORITY 3 – DELIBERATE FIRE SETTING Deliberate Primary Fires Table 5: Year to Date (April to January) Performance Deliberate Secondary Fires 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 YTD Deliberate Primary Fires 12 11 29 15 GREEN Table 6: Year to Date (April to January) Performance 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 YTD Deliberate Secondary Fires 73 93 58 34 GREEN 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 January - August Deliberate Primary Fires 3yr Average Rate per 10,000 Population (Moray) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 January - August Deliberate Secondary Fires 3yr Average Rate per 10,000 Population (Moray) Page 52
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15 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance Indicator Description In Moray, evidence reflects that deliberate fires are a problem in specific areas that can be linked to anti-social behaviour. Partnership working is key to reducing this type of incident and with the assistance of partners and communities we have reduced deliberate fires in areas where historically we have seen the highest level of activity. Deliberate fires can be split into two different categories, these are Deliberate Primary and Deliberate Secondary Fires. What we aim to achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority Three: Anti-Social Behaviour, our activities will also support the long-term ambition of the Moray 10 Year Plan and supports achievement of the following local outcomes: • Building a better future for our children and young people in Moray • Empowering and connecting communities • Growing, diverse and sustainable economy • Changing our relationship with alcohol Performance Management Results for this indicator show that we are below the average number of deliberate fires in Moray compared against the average for Scotland. During this reporting period we have seen a reduction in deliberate primary fires, including a decrease in deliberate secondary fires. During this period 34 of the 49 Deliberate Fires that occurred were Secondary fires. Many of these fires for the reporting period were involving grass/bushes, wheelie bins, skips and waste storage structures. The remainder were split between bales and a fence fire. Partnership working is key to reducing deliberate fires and we achieve this through the Moray Community Safety Hub. An example was a trend that had been identified in the Elgin South and Laich areas, following a spate of deliberate fires involving bins, outdoor structures and a park pavilion fire. Our crews worked with partners in Police Scotland, local authority, schools and the public to highlight the issue and engage with young people. This resulted in the reduction of these deliberate fires and an arrest by our partners in Police Scotland. Deliberate Secondary Fires (Ward Area) Committee 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Buckie 6 7 9 2 Elgin City North 9 6 4 8 Elgin City South 6 13 16 14 Forres 8 5 2 2 Keith & Cullen 3 4 4 0 Heldon & Laich 30 14 16 4 Fochabers & Lhanbryde 5 4 3 6 Speyside & Glenlivet 3 4 4 0 Total 73 57 58 34 Page 53
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16 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance PRIORITY 4 – NON-DOMESTIC FIRE SAFETY INCLUDING ACCIDENTAL OTHER PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FIRES Non-Domestic Building Fires Table 7a: Year to Date (April to January) Performance 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 YTD Non-Domestic Building Fires 19 22 26 18 GREEN Committee 20/21 21/22 22/23 23/24 Buckie 2 2 1 2 Elgin City North 5 3 2 3 Elgin City South 1 6 7 5 Forres 3 2 2 1 Keith & Cullen 3 2 2 2 Heldon & Laich 1 2 6 0 Fochabers & Lhanbryde 2 3 5 4 Speyside & Glenlivet 2 2 1 1 Total 19 22 26 18 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 January - August Incidents 3yr Average Rate per 10,000 Population (Moray) Page 54
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17 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance Indicator Description This priority concentrates on the reduction of fires occurring within buildings that are non-domestic premises. It also provides focus on the reduction of accidental ‘other’ primary and secondary fires which include agricultural land, forestry and moorland fires which pose a unique risk to the Moray area. Partnership working is key to reducing these types of incident and we work with building occupiers and owners through our Legislative Fire Safety Enforcement Officers to reduce fires in non-domestic properties. Every fire that occurs in a non-domestic building is followed up by a post-fire audit. These audits are carried out by our dedicated fire safety enforcement team. Partnership working with land and forestry owners continue, where risk reduction initiatives are discussed and delivered. Table 7b: Year to Date (April to January) Performance 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 YTD Accidental ‘Other’ Primary Fires 11 20 4 2 GREEN Committee 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Buckie 0 2 0 0 Elgin City North 0 4 0 0 Elgin City South 1 1 3 0 Forres 3 2 0 1 Keith & Cullen 0 0 0 1 Heldon & Laich 1 1 1 0 Fochabers & Lhanbryde 4 5 0 0 Speyside & Glenlivet 2 5 0 0 Total 11 20 4 2 Table 7c: Year to Date (April to January) Performance 21/22 22/23 2/3234 24/25 YTD Accidental ‘Other’ Secondary Fires 37 26 25 18 GREEN Committee 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Buckie 3 3 2 0 Elgin City North 1 1 3 4 Elgin City South 1 3 2 1 Forres 4 4 6 1 Keith & Cullen 6 2 1 4 Heldon & Laich 9 5 3 5 Fochabers & Lhanbryde 5 2 6 2 Speyside & Glenlivet 8 6 2 1 Total 37 26 25 18 Page 55
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18 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority Four: Non-Domestic Fire Safety our activities will also support the long-term ambition of the Moray 10 Year Plan and supports achievement of the following local outcomes: • Building a better future for our children and young people in Moray • Empowering and connecting communities • Growing, diverse and sustainable economy • Changing our relationship with alcohol Performance Management Results for the Non-Domestic Building Fires indicator shows that we are below the three-year average for the Moray area. Our dedicated Fire Safety Enforcement Officers continue to audit relevant premises that fall within the scope of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 to ensure compliance with their statutory responsibilities. These officers engage with duty holders of relevant premises and provide advice and guidance on how to prevent both accidental and deliberate fires in non-domestic buildings. This reporting period has seen a continued reduction of Accidental ‘Other’ Secondary Fires against the three-year average across Moray. Local engagement and education programmes have seen decreases of incident types - grassland, Woodland and crops for the same reporting period 23/24-24/25 of 42 to a total of 23. Results for Accidental ‘Other’ Primary Fires are below the three-year average for the Moray area. Our Operational staff will continue to work with landowners to reduce this type of risk through risk reduction initiatives, training, and familiarisation visits. Page 56
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19 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance PRIORITY 5 – REDUCING UNWANTED FIRE ALARM SIGNALS Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Table 8: Year to Date (April to January) Performance 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 YTD UFAS Incidents 204 253 220 47 GREEN Committee 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Buckie 22 15 14 3 Elgin City North 28 34 37 11 Elgin City South 24 38 29 9 Forres 16 34 28 9 Keith & Cullen 16 26 17 2 Heldon & Laich 7 21 9 4 Fochabers & Lhanbryde 7 18 23 1 Speyside & Glenlivet 84 66 62 8 Total 204 253 220 47 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 January - August UFAS Incidents 3yr Average Rate per 10,000 Population (Moray) Page 57
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20 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance Indicator Description Automatic Fire alarms (AFA) are fundamental to providing early warning from fire, giving people the chance to evacuate safely. However, to be effective, they must be properly installed and maintained, and a good fire safety management regime must be in place by the duty holder, so they do not activate when there is no fire. Every Unwanted Fire Alarm Signal (UFAS) from an AFA has an impact in terms of unnecessary blue light journeys, redirecting SFRS resources away from other activities such as community safety work and causing considerable disruption to businesses. Our aim is to improve fire safety management and awareness, by reducing the number of attendances to unwanted fire alarm signals (UFAS) from automatic systems in non- domestic buildings during 2024/25. What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority Five: Reducing Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals, our activities will also support the long-term ambition of the Moray 10 Year Plan and supports achievement of the following local outcomes: • Building a better future for our children and young people in Moray • Empowering and connecting communities • Growing, diverse and sustainable economy • Changing our relationship with alcohol Performance Management Year to date, the total number of UFAS stands at 47, which is significantly below the 3-year average for Moray, and below the average for Scotland. The table below lists the top three property types that had persistent call-outs due to UFAS during April to September. Property Types No. of UFAS Hospitals & Medical Care 12 Residential / Nursing / Care Home 10 Other Residential 6 With the roll out of the new SFRS UFAS attendance policy on July1st 2023, the SFRS are pleased to report a significant reduction in UFAS attendances Scotland wide. This will continue to be improved upon by engaging with premises, duty-holders and occupiers. All duty holders have been engaged with regarding the new policy during a robust public consultation. The SFRS control staff have received training and will call challenge alarm calls to relevant non-sleeping risk premises. The SFRS operational crews have received training and provide advice to occupiers each and every time that they attend a UFAS incident. Page 58
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21 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance PRIORITY 6 – EMERGENCY RESPONSE & COMMUNITY RESILIENCE What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority Six: Emergency Response and Community Resilience, our activities will also support the long-term ambition of the Moray 10 Year Plan and supports achievement of the following local outcomes: • Building a better future for our children and young people in Moray • Empowering and connecting communities • Growing, diverse and sustainable economy • Changing our relationship with alcohol • • • • • • • • Activity This year to date we have delivered our quarterly training commitment to operational firefighters with a focus on the core skills of pumps, water awareness, driving, ladders, HAZMAT, knots & lines and extrication, as well as ensuring training/testing preparedness to deal with the following standard/advanced modules: • Breathing Apparatus • Road Traffic Collisions • Casualty Care • Safe Working at Height • Incident Command • Electricity • Asbestos Awareness • Data Protection • Cybersafe Training • Secure Accommodation • Aircraft • Mental Health and Wellbeing • Professional Behaviours • Hazardous Materials • Fire Contaminates Overview Description The SFRS has a statutory duty to reduce the risks to our communities and to prepare for and respond to major emergencies. It is essential our firefighters possess the skills, knowledge and expertise to respond to incidents which, by their nature, can be varied in both their type and complexity. In Moray, this means: • Knowing what the risks are in Moray and then making plans, so we are resilient to respond to any event. • Exercising these plans • Being prepared to respond to national threats or major emergencies. • Developing flexibility to deploy crews, to take on a broadening role within the community. • Firefighters being equipped to deal with emergencies safely and effectively and our stations being in a constant state of readiness. • • • • Page 59
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22 Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Moray 2021 – 2024 Year to Date Monitoring of Performance Firefighters continued to visit sites within their station area so that they are aware of the associated risks and hazards, and if required can take effective actions in dealing with incidents at these sites. During this year, firefighters visited a range of sites to gather operational intelligence for both buildings and water risk, and reviewed our response plans. Senior Managers attended a number of planning meetings to identify the SFRS resources that were required to support a number of events in Moray during this year. Particularly the Lossiefest and the MacMoray / Speyfest Festivals. Crews and Senior Managers aim to complete regular large-scale multi-agency exercises. This allows us to test our Training, Procedures, Collaboration such as Joint Emergency Service Interoperability Program (JESSIP) principles and our Operational Assurance. During this year we have undertaken the following multi-agency exercises within the Moray Area: • Combat Jet Crash – Drummuir, Keith. Lead by RAF Lossiemouth, attended by multiple agencies (Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard) attended by one SFRS flexi officer. • Commercial Garage Fire – Elgin Fire Station Training Block, Elgin. Attended by five appliances and one flexi officer (Approx 30 firefighters) • Warehouse Fire – Baxters Food Group, Mostodloch. Attended by seven appliances, one incident support vehicle and two flexi officers (Approx 50 firefighters) • Hosted a Multi-Agency CPD event for Initial Commanders – Facilitated by Civil Contingency Managers, for 50 staff across SFRS, Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Coastguard, Royal Air Force and Moray Council. • Table-Top Exercise for Lossie Fest – Royal Air Force Lossiemouth. Attended by three flexi officers Page 60
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REPORT TO: POLICE AND FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES COMMITTEE ON 15 AUGUST 2024 SUBJECT: SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE MORAY THEMATIC REPORT AUGUST 2024 BY: LSO ANDREW WRIGHT, LOCAL SENIOR OFFICER, ABERDEEN CITY, ABERDEENSHIRE & MORAY 1. REASON FOR REPORT 1.1 To inform the Committee of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) in Moray. 1.2 This report is submitted to Committee in terms of Section III (j) (1) of the Council's Scheme of Administration relating to Police and Fire and Rescue Services in Moray. 2. REASON FOR CONFIDENTIALIY 2.1 This report contains no confidential information. 3. RECOMMENDATION 3.1 It is recommended that the Committee consider and note the contents of the thematic report. 4. BACKGROUND 4.1 A key priority of our Strategic Plan 2019-22 is to ensure Our collaborative and targeted Prevention and Protection activities improve community safety and wellbeing and support sustainable economic growth. (Outcome 1). . 4.2 The purpose of this report is to provide the committee with an overview of: Item 7. Page 61
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• The SFRS Attendance at Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) in Moray following one year of the new SFRS UFAS Incident Procedure / Updated Policy. 4.3 The report will also provide statistical information detailing the SFRS performance in relation to Unwanted Fire Alarm Signal (UFAS) Incidents attended within Moray. 5. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS (a) Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP) The discharging of the Council’s responsibilities in relation to the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 is of direct relevance to the delivery of the Council’s responsibilities in relation to Community Planning and the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (b) Policy and Legal This report is brought before the Moray Police and Fire Committee within its remit for local scrutiny and governance arrangements. (c) Financial implications There are no financial implications arising from this report. (d) Risk Implications There are no risk implications arising from this report (e) Staffing Implications There are no staffing implications arising from this report (f) Property There are no staffing implications arising from this report (g) Equalities/Socio Economic Impact Not Applicable (h) Consultations Not Applicable 6. CONCLUSION 6.1 The report provides the Committee with a briefing on the Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) attended from July 2023 – July 2024 (with 5-year comparison) within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Moray. Page 62
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6.2 The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will continue to work towards improving our prevention and collaboration on initiatives to reduce the number of Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals within the Moray area. 6.3 The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will continue to improve on prevention, protection and response, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people in Moray and throughout Scotland. Author of Report: Andrew Wright, LSO, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire & Moray Page 63
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Appendix 1 UFAS Moray Page 1 of 10 Version [1]: August 2024 Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Thematic Report Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) In Moray Item 7. Page 65
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Appendix 1 UFAS Moray Page 2 of 10 Version [1]: August 2024 Page 66
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Appendix 1 UFAS Moray Page 3 of 10 Version [1]: August 2024 1. Background This report has been brought to the committee following one year of the implementation of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) Incident Procedure in Moray. 2. Overview Within the Moray area there are a number of sources of fire alarms both automatic (signal goes to an alarm receiving centre 24hrs a day) and manual (Once the alarm has activated the duty holder / occupier calls the SFRS). Historically there has been a significant volume of calls and mobilisation of SFRS resources to attend such actuations. A large percentage of these calls (both in Moray and Nationally) have subsequently been deemed to be UFAS due to the actuation being determined as a false alarm. The five main premises types for these activations within Moray have been: - • Distilleries / Warehouses / Bulk Storage • Industrial Premises / Processing / Manufacturing • Hospitals / Medical • Education • Sheltered Housing / Care Homes The five main causes of the Unwanted Actuations in Moray have been: - • System – Smoke alarm – Faulty • System Other Faulty • Human – Accidentally / Carelessly set off • Human Testing • System Sprinkler Faulty The picture nationally is quite similar (Albeit with differing premises / causes) and the work on this had identified a number of key areas for occupiers / duty holders to take more responsibility for the management of actuations on their premises / site. Page 67
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Appendix 1 UFAS Moray Page 4 of 10 Version [1]: August 2024 In order to address these unnecessary mobilisations, the SFRS, went to public consultation on a change of policy / procedure. Subsequently, in July 2023, introduced the UFAS Incident Procedure and updated the UFAS Policy, which, made significant changes to how we respond to such actuations. The main differences were: - • The SFRS will not automatically respond to an Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) unless there is a confirmed fire or signs of a fire where the premises is one where people live or sleep. • All calls received to SFRS as a consequence of an AFA activation will be subject to a call challenge process to determine the level of attendance necessary in line with the UFAS policy and this procedure. In this regard, the procedure details a sequence of effective actions which are considered measured and appropriate and includes a process of continuous monitoring. By implementing the procedure, SFRS aims to: • Produce a consistent UFAS procedure that can be applied across Scotland thereby removing and rescinding previous local arrangements. • Reduce the overall number of mobilisations to UFAS incidents. • Filter calls generated by fire alarm systems, thus ensuring that an appropriate operational response is always dispatched. • Identify premises that create demand and implement a robust system to reduce future UFAS incidents. • Engage with stakeholders in order to advise them of the actions which may be taken by themselves and the SFRS to manage UFAS incidents; and • Support Fire Safety Enforcement (FSE) activities. The UFAS Policy and Procedure does not apply to single private dwelling houses. When the SFRS Operations Control room (OC) receive a call from non-exempt premises advising of an alarm activation, OC will “call challenge” to establish whether there is a fire or signs of fire: Page 68
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Appendix 1 UFAS Moray Page 5 of 10 Version [1]: August 2024 • If the call is from an ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre) and they are unable to confirm if there is a fire or signs of fire, then OC will request that they contact the premises to carry out an investigation to establish this and to call OC back. At this point, no response will be made by the SFRS and the incident will be closed as a No Attendance. • Where a call is received via 999 / 112 and a fire or signs of fire is not confirmed and no investigation has been carried out, OC will request that an investigation be undertaken, and they should call OC back with the outcome. There will be no SFRS mobilisation at this stage and the incident will be closed as a No Attendance. • Should a subsequent call be received via ARC or 999 / 112 advising there is no fire or signs of fire, this call should be logged in the normal manner with the original incident number noted in the log and closed as a No Attendance. • If an ARC refuses to contact the premises or a 999 / 112 caller refuses to carry out an investigation, OC will advise that no response would be made unless a call is received advising of fire or signs of fire. The incident will be closed as a No Attendance. • OC may receive a call from a member of the public via 999 / 112 notifying of a fire alarm actuation with no fire or signs of fire. OC should advise of SFRS procedures in relation to Fire Alarm actuations and close incident as No Attendance; and • If an ARC is unable to confirm if a sleeping risk exists, OC will mobilise an appropriate PDA. On all occasions, if a fire or signs of fire has been confirmed, then a Full PDA will be immediately mobilised. Page 69
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Appendix 1 UFAS Moray Page 6 of 10 Version [1]: August 2024 3. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Automatic Fire Alarm Attendance The pictograms in Appendix A show the overview for Moray since the new SFRS UFAS Incident Procedure / updated policy, went live in July 2023. You will note that in Moray we have attended 99 UFAS Incidents which is over the fiscal reporting periods of 2023/34 and 2024/25 respectively. The graph below shows an overview of the SFRS attendance at UFAS Incidents in Moray from April 2019 until the current period. There is a noted dip in figures during the COVID 19 pandemic owing to many premises being un-occupied due to lockdown. From that there is a marked and significant reduction following the implementation of the SFRS UFAS Incident Procedure / updated policy, in July 2023. From the table below you will see the number of UFAS Incidents attended in the Moray Area broken down to quarters. Again, the significant drop in UFAS Incidents attended from Q2 of 2023/24 owing to the implementation of the SFRS UFAS Incident Procedure. Page 70
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Appendix 1 UFAS Moray Page 7 of 10 Version [1]: August 2024 For balance the table below shows the number of UFAS Incidents not attended by the SFRS since the implementation of the changes. These are the calls which have been challenged by our Operations Control and the occupiers / duty-holders have carried out an inspection determining that the actuation is a false alarm. This has realised a number of benefits not only for the SFRS but for the people of Moray and Scotland Nationally. • The number of unnecessary appliance blue light journeys have been significantly reduced. This has also reduced the road risk around these journeys. Page 71
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Appendix 1 UFAS Moray Page 8 of 10 Version [1]: August 2024 • SFRS Crews have had more available time for critical training and community safety work. • Premises and duty holders / Occupiers have taken more ownership of the alarm activations within their premises or site. There have been 15 instances in Moray since the implementation of the changed Procedure / Policy, where a call source to an incident was an AFA, however, the incident turned out to be a fire. These have all been premises where there is a sleeping risk and the SFRS have attended automatically as part of our pre-determined attendance (PDA). The SFRS will always attend and incident where there is a confirmed fire or signs of a fire where the premises is one where people live or sleep. 4. How the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Contributes to Reducing Unwanted Automatic Fire Alarm Signals in Moray The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, as well as providing Operational Response, a key workstream for the SFRS is Prevention. Across Moray relating to UFAS, this includes working closely across the area with the Moray Community, Local Authority and Duty Holders. Our Fire Safety Enforcement Officers (FSEO) give advice to duty holders / occupiers regarding alarm systems and positioning / type of detection. Page 72
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Appendix 1 UFAS Moray Page 9 of 10 Version [1]: August 2024 The implementation of the SFRS UFAS Incident procedure has significantly reduced the mobilisations to this incident type, however the SFRS remain committed to reducing UFAS across Scotland. 5. Conclusion This report provides the Committee with a briefing on the UFAS Incidents attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service within the Moray Area. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will continue to contribute towards reducing the number of Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals within the Moray Area by engaging with the Community, Local Authority and Duty Holders. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will continue to improve on prevention, protection and response, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people throughout Scotland. Page 73
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Appendix 1 UFAS Moray Page 10 of 10 Version [1]: August 2024 Appendix A Page 74