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Methodology and Acknowledgements
1. HMICS thematic reports are prepared after careful but focused inspection of the subject matter. Our broad methodology is explained on our website. This shorter report contains far less detailed evidence than has been presented in past thematic inspection reports; this is a deliberate effort on our part to present accurate but concise and focused reports on a wider range of issues than has previously been the case.
2. The project initiation document ( PID) was adapted from our standard inspection format, based on the EFQM model and circulated to forces. Following an initial consultation exercise and desktop research, we visited all eight police forces in Scotland as well as Lancashire Constabulary in England. We also met with the Scottish Police Federation and the Association of Scottish Superintendents. We also liaised with HMIC (England and Wales), the Association of Chief Police Officers of Scotland, Audit Scotland and the Justice Department within the Scottish Government.
3. An initial questionnaire was circulated, the resulting responses and information forming the foundation of our later fieldwork visits. These visits included interviews with members of force executives, divisional/area commanders as well as operational inspectors, sergeants and constables. We are grateful for the valuable assistance of the nominated liaison officers and all those involved in the fieldwork. We are particularly grateful to Mr Stephen Finnegan, Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary for his assistance in providing access to his force and insight into how performance is managed.
4. As the inspection unfolded it became apparent that there would be benefit from providing an opportunity for a wider spectrum of police officers and staff to give their experience and views on some of the emerging themes. To achieve this it was decided that an electronic survey should be designed and distributed to all Scottish forces. The survey itself is shown at Annex A and a summary of the results given at Annex B. This is the first time that such a technique has been used by HMICS and, despite some issues of access within some forces, was successful with in excess of 2,400 responses. While the results of the survey have been used within this report the volume of the responses has meant that a full analysis could not be completed within the timescales laid down for the inspection. To realise the full value of the survey and in acknowledgement of the commitment of the respondents a separate report will be published providing a full analysis of the survey results.
5. The report focuses very specifically on the areas related to the seven recommendations. We anticipate that forces will consider all of the comments in the report when considering their response to the recommendations.
6. The inspection was carried out by Superintendent John McDougall, assisted by Detective Sergeant Alan Waddell under the direction of Malcolm R Dickson QPM, HM Assistant Inspector of Constabulary.
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