Public confidence in the police force has risen by more than 20 per cent in recent months. 

Of 22,000 people surveyed, 63 per cent of people agreed or strongly agreed they had confidence in their local police, according to a new report. 

It is the first time the majority of people surveyed had such high confidence in the force, with a previous peak of 49 per cent in 2012/13, and only 42 per cent confidence in the previous quarter. 

The report also demonstrates recorded crime reduced significantly across a number of categories between April 1 and June 30 although fraud and public nuisance calls increased substantially.

The first quarterly performance report for the 2020/21 year was published today and also revealed new statistics relating to coronavirus rules.

In a majority of circumstances when individuals were told to disperse, the public co-operated with police instructions. 

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Officers were required to issue penalties, use force or arrest an individual in just 6.5 per cent of cases. 

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor, will present the report to the Scottish Police Authority’s Policing Performance Committee on Wednesday, August 26.

DCC Taylor said: “The first quarter of 2020-21 covered an extraordinary period for Scotland and, indeed, the world.

“Highly restrictive measures on freedoms of movement and association were introduced, almost overnight, as, collectively, we all sought to combat the spread of coronavirus.

“Officers and staff discharged their duties with courtesy, compassion and common sense to help the people of Scotland who, in turn, showed overwhelming support for their police service.

“We will continue to value the bond of trust which policing and the public have forged together and which has been further strengthened during this unprecedented period.”

Proactive work contributed to a significant increase in reported crimes of online child sexual while domestic crime and the potential for suppressed vulnerability remain a significant concern and priority for policing.

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DCC Taylor said: “While decreases in violent and acquisitive crime, as well as a reduction in road casualties, are all to be welcomed, this report covers a relatively short period of time and care must be taken to avoid assumptions around trends.

“Operational demand has increased significantly in recent weeks and is returning to what we would normally expect to see.

“Sadly, home is not a safe place for everyone and we have taken proactive steps to identify those at risk and give support to those who need our help. Policing will continue to operate in public, private and virtual spaces to keep people safe.”