This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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HMIC report on Scottish Police College
22/02/2007
HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) today praised the Scottish Police College as a respected institution that delivers a quality product. HMIC also highlighted the College's role as integral to the future development of policing in Scotland.
The Primary Inspection report on the College, published today, commends the attitude, dedication and enthusiasm of staff and students; the high standards of the training delivered and the College's effective support functions.
The report's recommendations include:
- a review of current College and other police training to assess how far it meets service needs, and a scoping of future needs
- formulation of a training strategy for co-ordinating all police training in Scotland
- a single communications channel between ACPOS and the new Scottish Police Services Authority to ensure that any training requirements are co-ordinated and prioritised
- provision of additional diversity training, or a different type of diversity training, for the College's teaching staff
- a review of accommodation at the College and the options available to address shortfalls in both standard and capacity
The report was written against the background of the establishment of the new Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) which will take over responsibility for police training, including the College, from April 1, 2007.
Assistant Inspector of Constabulary, Malcolm Dickson said:
"The Scottish Police College, in its role as a central training institution for the police service in Scotland, occupies a unique place in United Kingdom policing. Acting as a significant focal point for the service, it is responsible for training all new recruits to the service as well as all promoted and most specialist staff.
"The enthusiasm and pride felt by all those involved in it, whether as trainer or trainee, is testament to the deserved reputation which it has both in Scotland and further afield.
"My report highlights a number of positives including the high standards of training delivered, the effectiveness of the College's supporting functions and the commitment of staff and students. However, I believe that introduction of the Scottish Police Services Authority in April offers a welcome opportunity to: consider how the College fits in to the larger picture of all police training; to look at the cost-benefit of police training; and to assess how police training impacts on the service delivered to the public. I've therefore recommended that a high level scoping of training needs be carried out with a view to the new Authority developing a training strategy for co-ordinating all police training in Scotland.
"While major structural change can be challenging for staff, it should be viewed as an opportunity for the College to make a significant contribution to the development of a police service which meets the needs of people in 21st century Scotland."
Background:
The report published today relates to a primary inspection of the Scottish Police College carried out in October 2006. A primary inspection of each police force and common police service is conducted every five years. In the intervening years review inspections can take place. These reports are presented to the Police Board/Authority and a copy is posted on the HMIC website.
The report highlights examples of good practice including a forum for staff consultation; a well managed staff suggestion scheme, support for a diploma in training and development, an IT-based 'student learning zone' and the increased academic accreditation of training courses.
The Scottish Police College at Tulliallan, Kincardine, is the central training base for the police service in Scotland. All new police officers attend the College for their initial training course which lasts 15 weeks and return after a year in the service for a further 2 weeks training. Specialist training is also delivered for officers involved in criminal investigation, community policing and road policing. The College also provides rank specific training for officers from sergeant up to chief officer.
Today's report can be accessed via the HMIC website:
www.scotland.gov.uk/hmic