Police Scotland's Misogyny Reporting Scheme Yields Limited Results

A program designed to encourage Police Scotland officers to report misogyny internally received only seven submissions, with no disciplinary action taken as a result. The scheme, known as Photovoice, was launched following a determination that the force exhibited institutional misogyny and racism.

Photovoice: An Innovative Approach with Low Uptake

Program Details

Photovoice allowed officers to anonymously submit photographic evidence – such as screenshots of offensive messages – detailing experiences of sexism and misogyny within the workplace. The force described the platform as an ‘innovative approach which enabled participants to capture and share an insight into their world’.

The initiative followed a public acknowledgement from former Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone, who characterized Police Scotland as institutionally misogynist and racist. This prompted the launch of Photovoice as part of a wider effort to address cultural issues within the organization.

Criticism and Concerns

The extremely low response rate has sparked criticism, raising questions about the program’s effectiveness and officers’ willingness to report concerns. No disciplinary action was taken based on the seven submissions received, further fueling skepticism.

Political Response

Sharon Dowey, the Scottish Tory community safety spokesperson, stated that while tackling misogyny is essential, the scheme has ‘clearly flopped’. She argued that police leadership should prioritize crime-fighting efforts over ‘box-ticking exercises’.

Context and Background

The program invited ‘all colleagues from Police Scotland’ to contribute photographs illustrating their experiences of sexism and misogyny. One submission depicted a corridor lined with portraits of exclusively male former police chiefs, highlighting the historical gender imbalance.

Sir Iain Livingstone, before his 2023 retirement, pledged to address the ‘canteen culture’ and offensive banter within the force. A 2024 independent review confirmed that sexist and misogynist attitudes remained ‘pervasive’ within the service, contributing to a hostile environment.

Police Scotland's Response and Future Plans

Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond emphasized that multiple mechanisms are in place to address sexism and misogyny, with Photovoice being one component of a broader strategy. The initiative concluded on March 31, 2025.

Police Scotland highlighted the availability of alternative reporting channels, including the anonymous ‘Integrity Matters’ service and the CrimeStoppers integrity line. Despite these measures, the limited response to Photovoice underscores the challenges in fostering an inclusive workplace culture.