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Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary Primary Inspection 2002
Introduction
1. This inspection of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary was conducted between 25 February and 1 March 2002 by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Roy Cameron, Her Majesty's Lay Inspector, Mrs Jane Irvine and Assistant Inspector, Mr Kenneth McInnes.
2. HMIC used a protocol based approach to inspection. The first stage was an option appraisal, where functions and processes to be scrutinised were selected. This included an assessment of documentation, routinely gathered and collated force plans and matters raised in the last Primary Inspection of 1998 and the Review Inspections of 1999 and 2000. On this basis 22 protocols covering specific areas of police activity were selected for self-assessment and completion by the force.
3. The publication of the HMIC Thematic Report "A Value Judgement" on the progress of the Best Value regime in the police service in Scotland introduced the concept of joint Best Value audit/inspection by HMIC and Audit Scotland. This arrangement is intended to allow the respective statutory responsibilities of both organisations to be discharged while reducing the overall inspection burden on forces. On this occasion the joint inspection included Best Value themes covering senior management, strategic planning, community consultation and financial management.
4. During the course of the pre and formal inspection, staff at all levels of the force were consulted and provided important contributions. The issues raised by them were fully considered during the inspection process. HMIC also sought the written views of a number of stakeholders associated with or working in partnership with the force. The vast majority of the written responses were complimentary and the information supplied proved a valuable contribution to the inspection.
5. A particular focus for the inspection process is an emphasis on performance and outcomes. In keeping with this, the results section of the report reflects how the force performed in the period 1 April to 31 December 2001 in respect of its Charter and the Actions, Targets and Measurements set out in the its Policing Plan 2001-02.
6. It is also important to note that HMIC records good practice, a process or practice regarded as having made a significant contribution to continuous improvement. While HMIC may not have included a full scale evaluation and not all good practice is transferable, some of it is noted, for the benefit of other forces or police organisations.
7. The result is a report structured on the business excellence model including a specific annex on the joint approach to the Best Value inspection. It is a snapshot and cannot be a full account of all the activities of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary with significant functions and services not included for formal inspection on this occasion. The overall balance of this inspection report is complimentary to the force. Some of the recommendations and comments made are directed at influencing a direction already taken by the force and overall they should be regarded as supportive particularly as the force has already implemented an impressive range of initiatives.
8. In terms of Section 33(3) of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967, as amended, the force was found to be efficient and effective.
9. HMIC is appreciative of the assistance and co-operation provided throughout the Inspection process by the police authority, the Chief Constable and all staff of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary. The interest taken and assistance given by individuals from the wide range of organisations visited and consulted are also greatly valued.
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