This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Inspection report for Strathclyde Police
27/09/2004
Strathclyde Police is an 'efficient and effective'
force, according to the
latest inspection
report by HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Andrew
Brown.
His report - which follows a primary inspection during
April and May this year - states the force has earned a
high reputation for strong and effective partnership
working, the investigation and management of serious crime,
and planning and policing major events
It also praises the force for:
- Its comprehensive review of its management
structure and processes for handling major projects,
which was starting to have positive results
- A challenging programme for change, including
centralised crime recording, improved call management,
revised business planning systems and major IT
improvements
- The enthusiasm of officers and support staff to
deliver a professional service and their belief that
effective policing can't be carried out in isolation,
reflected in successful partnerships throughout the
force and positive comments from partner
organisations
The report also makes recommendations for future
improvement:
- The introduction of a transparent promotion
selection procedure
- Reviews of the existing shift system and crime
recording system He also recommends that some issues
which are of national as well as local concern should
be addressed through ACPOS, including identifying
training needs in relation to authorising surveillance
activity and clarifying the criteria for deploying
family liaison officers in response to road deaths
Andrew Brown said:
"Strathclyde is Scotland's largest police force,
providing a service to almost half this country's
population.
"Today's report shows that this force is responding well
to that challenge and has earned a high reputation for
strong and effective partnership working, the investigation
and management of serious crime and the planning and
policing of major events.
"Today's report also makes some recommendations for
improvement including introducing a transparent promotion
selection procedure which is capable of assessing both
officers within the force and potential candidates from
elsewhere.
"A review of the existing shift system is also
recommended with a view to improving service delivery, and
in recognition of the welfare needs of officers attending
court after night duty.
"The force has embarked upon an ambitious programme of
change, addressing such important issues as call
management, centralised crime recording and reviewing its
business processes.
"At the time of the inspection there was much work in
progress and HMIC will review these areas fully during the
review inspection in 18 months' time. It is anticipated
that the force will prepare an action plan to progress the
recommendations made.
"Overall however, the message is that this is an
efficient and effective force which is delivering a good
police service to the people of Strathclyde."
The current Chief Constable of Strathclyde, William Rae,
took up his appointment in July 2001.
The force is responsible for policing 12 local authority
areas. It covers a geographic spread of more than 5300
square miles and a population of around 2.2 million.
The force has an annual budget of more than £450 million
and employs around 7300 police officers and 2200 support
staff across nine territorial divisions and a variety of
headquarters and support functions.