This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Grampian Police inspection
12/10/2006
Grampian Police has been praised for the high level of service it provides to local communities in a primary inspection report published today by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary.
The report highlights the force's effective working relationships with local authorities and other community partners, and also points to specific areas of good practice within the organisation, most significantly those related to the strategic management and development of the force.
Formal recommendations to the force include, the implementation of the findings of a review on crime detection, the communication of local policing priorities to local communities, and reforming existing diversity forums. The sufficiency and availability of specialist firearms support - something which HMIC has already commented on in relation to policing across Scotland - was raised as a matter requiring serious consideration.
Areas of good practice, transferable to other police and council areas, include the way the force has engaged in partnership working with Aberdeen City Council to address the problem of alcohol-related violence in the city centre.
The report states that similar joint efforts should be undertaken by all police forces, councils and licensing boards to prepare for the successful policing of alcohol-related disorder, particularly in city centres, when the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 is implemented.
Assistant Inspector of Constabulary Malcolm Dickson said:
"This report has found that overall Grampian Police provides a good level of service to the public and in return enjoys significant support from local communities and partner agencies. The inspection team also found a committed and loyal workforce who supported the Chief Constable's vision and values.
"There are some exciting developments underway within the force which have the potential to make a real difference to the service provided to the public.
"This includes 'total community policing' where public agencies work together to provide local communities with the services they need. I am also keen to see how the implementation of a new performance management system can drive forward improvements and help Grampian and other forces understand what works and what doesn't.
"However, the inspection was concerned about the relatively low level of crime detections, albeit there has been recent improvement in this area.
"It also identified practices that could be improved such as greater financial accountability at local level and a consistent approach to staff development through placements and secondments.
"The force has already started to make progress in some of these areas and the report's recommendations should ensure that any remaining issues are addressed.
"Grampian Police is currently reviewing its policing structures and call handling arrangements as well as the provision of firearms support. These and progress on all of today's recommendations will be reviewed in 2008."