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Independent Review of Policing
23/05/2008
A wide-ranging review to examine how to ensure high profile police operations do not divert resources away from frontline policing in communities is to be carried out.
The review will also look at how to ensure all Scotland's communities have equal access to expert and specialist policing.
Following the recommendation by the Justice Committee in their report on the Effective Use of Police Resources, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today announced that Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Paddy Tomkins, would carry out the review and make recommendations by the end of the year.
The remit is to review the roles and responsibilities of police forces in Scotland with the aim of ensuring:
- that all Scotland's communities have equal access to expert and specialist policing and to the resources necessary to investigate major crime, whenever they need it, and
- that the delivery of such policing responsibilities does not divert resources away from visible policing in communities
- in pursuance of this to identify policing responsibilities which might more effectively be delivered nationally, regionally, or in collaboration between forces
- and to make recommendations for the organisation, governance and accountability which best supports the delivery of those policing responsibilities
Speaking in advance of addressing the annual conference of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), Mr MacAskill said:
"The Scottish Government is committed to building policing capacity to reduce crime and the fear of crime. It is only with the help of the police that we can make Scotland safer and stronger.
"That is why we are making 1,000 additional officers available in our communities. Hand in hand with this we are working with chief constables and police boards to improve the retention of officers and support the redeployment of officers.
"However, more high profile or specialist police operations can have an impact on frontline policing and it is important that we ensure that Scotland's communities continue to be well served by our police service.
"That is why I have asked Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary to carry out a short-life review to make sure that such operations do not result in frontline police officers being taken away from the vital role of policing our communities.
"I look forward to seeing his recommendations by the end of this year."
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Paddy Tomkins, said:
"Complicated murder cases, firearms incidents or covert surveillance are among examples of policing responsibilities which require a very considerable and professional expertise. We need to find ways to deal with these aspects of policing in ways that achieve the highest standards while minimising disruption to local policing in our communities.
"That's why I am pleased to have been asked to undertake this independent review and I am keen to work with a wide range of stakeholders as we consider the issues and develop recommendations. This review will build on excellent work already undertaken by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland looking at police capacity and capability."
The Justice Committee's report on the Effective Use of Police Resources, published on January 24, 2008, recommended that "Within the lifetime of this Parliament the Scottish Government should initiate an independent review of the role and responsibilities of the police in Scotland, informed by the Committee's report."
An Advisory Group will be identified for the Review to ensure the involvement of key stakeholders in considering emerging findings, conclusions and recommendations. The Advisory Group will also include two independent members to represent wider civic society. Throughout the review process the review team will consult directly with a wider range of stakeholders with an interest in the issues being considered.