Failing mental health service and courts overwhelm police, says Scottish chief

Police Scotland’s Jo Farrell says other agencies need to ‘step up’ and allow officers to focus on core duties

Police Scotland is “overwhelmed” by the “appalling” demands made on officers by failing mental health services and a court system that requires complete reform, according to its chief constable, Jo Farrell.

The first woman to lead Police Scotland, the UK’s second largest force, Farrell took command of the national service last October.