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Veterans and the LawForeword

Foreword

Headshot of Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie HamiltonMost veterans in Scotland leave the armed forces and become law abiding civilians. Veterans make up 3.9% of the adult population in Scotland, but only 3.1% of the Scottish prison population. In 2023 there were 4,984 arrests across Scotland where the individual disclosed that they had served in the armed forces, making up only 0.05% of those arrested by Police Scotland last year.

When it comes to upholding the law, the most recent intake of recruits into the Scottish Police College comprised 15% ex-Service men and women. Police Scotland currently employs around 250 reservists. The Scottish Prison Service has a significant number of officers who have served in the armed forces.

These figures are not surprising. People who serve in our armed forces are selected and trained to a high standard. Military training instils a strong sense of discipline and structure which can translate into more law-abiding behaviour in civilian life as well as an aptitude and inclination for further uniformed service. Veterans often have better employment prospects and job skills: employment provides financial stability and a sense of purpose which can reduce the likelihood of engaging in unlawful activity.

Veterans have access to various support systems, including veteran-specific services like healthcare, welfare, and advice. These resources can help address needs such as mental health, substance abuse and homelessness, which are often linked to offending. The camaraderie and support networks formed during military service can provide social support, reducing the likelihood of disengaging from society and drifting into lawbreaking.

It is important to note, however, that these factors do not guarantee that veterans will avoid committing offences entirely. Veterans, like any group, are diverse and can face various challenges which may lead them to offend. It must also be remembered that some veterans commit serious crimes, which have very grave consequences for their victims, the families of victims and the wider community. It is not the intention of this report to minimise the impact on victims of crime in any way.

Therefore, the primary aim in evaluating the need for veteran specific support and services must be to find the most effective interventions to prevent or reduce offending, thereby decreasing the impact on potential victims, reducing cost to the public purse, and improving outcomes for veterans themselves.

While conducting research and engagement for this report, I have been struck by the passion and dedication shown by those in the public and third sectors who support veterans involved in the criminal justice system. Through the support of Prison Governors, it has been immensely helpful to have been able to listen directly to veterans in prisons across Scotland.

I am extremely grateful to all who have taken the time to share their experiences with me including representatives from Police Scotland, Scottish Prison Service, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Community Justice Scotland, the Judicial Institute for Scotland, South Lanarkshire Justice Social Work Services, SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity, Sacro, Who Dares Cares, Care After Combat, Forces Employment Charity (Op NOVA and Nova Scotland), Nacro, and The Centre for Military Research at Edinburgh Napier University.

SUSIE HAMILTON
Scottish Veterans Commissioner

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Great to be in the gallery for the debate on support for the veterans and armed forces community in Scotland. A consensual debate highlighting the huge value contributed by our veteran community, the support available if needed, and the progress we still need to make. Always good to see Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC and Brigadier Jody Davies MBE as well. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read the Scottish Government Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2024 report.
Great to be in the gallery for the debate on support for the veterans and armed forces community in Scotland. A consensual debate highlighting the huge value contributed by our veteran community, the support available if needed, and the progress we still need to make. Always good to see Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC and Brigadier Jody Davies MBE as well. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read the Scottish Government Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2024 report.
15 hours ago
On International Volunteer Day, I'm celebrating the remarkable contribution that the support and dedication of volunteers make to the veteran community. As highlighted in my Anything But Uniform report, volunteering can make a huge difference in the lives of both beneficiaries and volunteers themselves. Ian Shiells, who volunteers with Fares4Free has shared his story to help raise awareness of volunteering. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read.
On International Volunteer Day, I'm celebrating the remarkable contribution that the support and dedication of volunteers make to the veteran community. As highlighted in my Anything But Uniform report, volunteering can make a huge difference in the lives of both beneficiaries and volunteers themselves. Ian Shiells, who volunteers with Fares4Free has shared his story to help raise awareness of volunteering. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read.
1 day ago
At the @veteranshousingscotland Annual Gathering on Thursday night, we heard how the charity's focus on people and partnership has enabled it to expand services this year. It was a pleasure to catch up with Anna Wright, CEO of @armedforcescovfundtrust.
At the @veteranshousingscotland Annual Gathering on Thursday night, we heard how the charity's focus on people and partnership has enabled it to expand services this year. It was a pleasure to catch up with Anna Wright, CEO of @armedforcescovfundtrust.
6 days ago
Having served in the previous HMS SHEFFIELD, it was a privilege to witness the first cutting of steel for the next RN ship to bear this name. The T26 class is being built by BAE Systems at Govan, a notable employer of ex-Service personnel in Scotland with a supportive Veterans Employee Recognition Group. I also met members of the HMS SHEFFIELD Association whose ship was so sadly lost in the Falklands conflict in 1982, and Cdr Andrew Loring RN, whose family presented this Sheffield steel valve wheel which his father had rescued from the first HMS SHEFFIELD commissioned in 1937.
Having served in the previous HMS SHEFFIELD, it was a privilege to witness the first cutting of steel for the next RN ship to bear this name. The T26 class is being built by BAE Systems at Govan, a notable employer of ex-Service personnel in Scotland with a supportive Veterans Employee Recognition Group. I also met members of the HMS SHEFFIELD Association whose ship was so sadly lost in the Falklands conflict in 1982, and Cdr Andrew Loring RN, whose family presented this Sheffield steel valve wheel which his father had rescued from the first HMS SHEFFIELD commissioned in 1937.
1 week ago
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