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Annex B: 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. The shorter reports now produced contain far less detailed evidence than has been presented in past thematic inspection work. This is a deliberate effort on our part to present accurate, but concise and focused reports on a wider range of issues.
2. The project initiation document ( PID) was adapted from our standard inspection format, based on the EFQM model and circulated to forces. An initial questionnaire was also circulated, the product of which provided the core information for our fieldwork.
3. Following an initial consultation exercise and desktop research, we held a seminar involving all eight police forces in Scotland and including representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, Association of Scottish Police Superintendents 31, Scottish Police Federation 32, Scottish Police Services Authority and UNISON33.
4. We also liaised with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration, Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People, the Association of Directors of Social Work 34, HMIC for England and Wales and the Metropolitan Police Service.
5. Our report focuses on the main business areas underpinning the six recommendations. In addition to these recommendations and opportunities for further improvement, significant areas of 'good practice' are described in Annex A.
6. The inspection was carried out by Detective Superintendent Eddie Thomson, assisted by Sergeant Bruce Fyfe (on short term secondment from Grampian Police) under the direction of Paddy Tomkins QPM, HM Chief inspector of Constabulary for Scotland. We are grateful to all forces, partners and stakeholders for their valuable assistance. We would especially like to extend our gratitude to: Police Inspector Lyn Ross from Grampian Police, Ms Kellie Hannah from Fife Constabulary and Mr Jim Burke from Fife Social Work who were particularly helpful to us during the initial stages of the inspection, and to T/ ACC Ewan Stewart of Grampian Police who supported our engagement in the various strands of the National Custody Forum.
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