Police Scotland's Misogyny Reporting Scheme Deemed Largely Unsuccessful

A program designed to encourage Police Scotland officers to report misogyny within the force has been criticized after receiving only seven submissions through its online platform. The initiative, known as Photovoice, aimed to address concerns of institutional misogyny and racism.

Photovoice: An Innovative Approach with Limited Impact

How the Scheme Worked

Photovoice allowed officers to anonymously submit photographic evidence – such as screenshots of offensive messages – illustrating experiences of sexism and misogyny. The force described it as an ‘innovative approach’ to capture insights into officers’ experiences.

Response and Outcomes

Despite the intention to provide a safe avenue for reporting, the response rate was extremely low. Critically, no disciplinary action was taken based on the seven submissions received, raising doubts about the commitment to change.

Criticism and Concerns from Politicians and Experts

Political Response

Sharon Dowey, the Scottish Tory community safety spokesperson, argued that the scheme’s failure indicated a need for Police Scotland to prioritize crime-fighting over ‘box-ticking exercises’. She emphasized the importance of tackling misogyny but questioned the allocation of resources.

Expert Perspectives

Retired police superintendent Martin Gallagher suggested that the focus on sexism may be disproportionate, arguing that sexism has decreased with increased female representation. He believes prioritizing traditional policing duties would be more effective.

Background and Ongoing Efforts

Addressing Institutional Issues

The scheme followed a statement from former Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone, who characterized Police Scotland as institutionally misogynist and racist. An independent review in 2024 confirmed that sexist and misogynist attitudes remained ‘pervasive’ within the service.

Police Scotland's Response

Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond emphasized that Photovoice was one component of a larger strategy to address sexism and misogyny. Police Scotland also highlighted alternative reporting channels, including ‘Integrity Matters’ and CrimeStoppers.

Scheme Timeline

The Photovoice initiative concluded on March 31, 2025. The lack of a substantial response and the absence of disciplinary action raise questions about the effectiveness of current strategies and officers’ willingness to report problematic behavior.