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Strathclyde Police Primary Inspection 2004
Introduction
1 This primary inspection of Strathclyde Police was conducted during April and May 2004, by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Mr Andrew Brown, Her Majesty's Lay Inspector, Mrs Jane Irvine and Assistant Inspector, Mr Kenny McInnes.
2 HMIC works to a programme of regular inspection which is based upon 5-yearly primary inspections, interspersed by 18-month reviews which involve an updated risk assessment with the option of focused field visits. The initial stages of a primary inspection involve the dispatch of an overarching protocol from HMIC for completion by the force. The overarching protocol covers all areas of policing and organisational activity and demands a comprehensive and detailed response.
3 Following an analysis of the force response to the protocol, an option appraisal is undertaken where functions and processes to be scrutinised are selected. The option appraisal process means that areas of activity may not be examined in detail where HMIC is satisfied from the force response that little would be gained from detailed scrutiny. The focus of inspection attention is on issues of strategic significance and those areas where good practice has been identified, approaches or performance results appear less impressive or where additional evidence is required to allow an accurate assessment. Those areas not examined in depth may be revisited during subsequent review inspections or national thematic inspections as appropriate.
4 Through the option appraisal process, HMIC determined that the inspection fieldwork and detailed scrutiny should focus primarily on:
- the executive structure and strategic planning process
- human resource management
- crime management
- operational support functions including road policing, air support and public order training
- results.
5 As with other recent primary inspections, the examination of the force encompassed a joint scrutiny of Best Value undertaken by HMIC in collaboration with Audit Scotland. This arrangement allows the respective statutory responsibilities of both organisations to be discharged whilst minimising the overall inspection burden on the force. Similarly, the inspection involved collaborative scrutiny with the Commission for Racial Equality, the Health and Safety Executive and the Scottish Information Commissioner.
6 During the inspection, HMIC sought the views of a number of statutory and voluntary bodies, including the fire and ambulance services, with which the force undertakes joint working. Comments received were generally very positive and HMIC would like to thank those consulted for their valuable assistance in assessing the service delivery of the force.
7 HMIC also met with the Police Authority and consultation was undertaken with force representatives of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, the Scottish Police Federation and UNISON. In the course of the inspection, members of the inspection team met with support staff and police officers of varying ranks and roles, both individually and in focus groups.
8 Throughout this report, HMIC identifies activity by the force which may be considered as good practice, however it appreciates that these may be neither applicable nor transferable to other forces.
9 While this report is an informed assessment of Strathclyde Police, it is a snapshot and it does not purport to be a full account of all organisational activity. That order of information is covered by force publications, in particular, the Chief Constable's Annual Public Performance Report.
10 As a consequence of this inspection, 11 recommendations have been made, which are included in the body of the report and summarised on page 10. These recommendations are directed in a constructive way, in order to assist the force in pursuit of continuous improvement of its service delivery for the communities of the Strathclyde Police area.
11 Overall, the inspection found that Strathclyde Police demonstrated strength in terms of strategic leadership, tactical management and operational service delivery. In terms of Section 33(3) of the Police Scotland Act 1967, as amended, the force was found to be efficient and effective.
12 HMIC wishes to acknowledge the support of the Chief Constable and the Joint Police Board and is appreciative of the assistance and co-operation provided throughout the inspection process. The co-operation and assistance given by police and support staff within Strathclyde Police and those within the external organisations consulted is also gratefully acknowledged.
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