Foreword
Most 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
