The Role of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMICS)
What is HMICS?
HMICS is independent of Police Forces, Police Authorities and the Scottish Government, and exists to monitor and improve the police service in Scotland. 
During 2008 HMICS commemorates its 150th anniversary. The origins of the Inspectorate can be traced back to the Police (Scotland) Act in 1857, which described the purpose of our inspection activity as being to "render more effectual the Police in Counties and Burghs in Scotland". Our first annual report was laid before the House of Commons on 21st June 1859. Since then the structure and composition of police forces has changed markedly as have some, though not, all aspects of the police role. And while our function too has evolved over the years, our primary aim of monitoring and improving the police services in Scotland remains constant.
The main responsibilities of HMICS are to:
- Inspect Police Forces and the organisations which make up the Scottish Police Services Authority;
- Carry out 'thematic' inspections; and
- Provide advice to Scottish Ministers.
In fact, HMICS can enquire into any matter concerning the operation of a Police Force. The main aims are to improve the quality and standard of the service provided by the police, and to ensure that the public get the best value possible.
The Principles of HMICS
HMICS works within four main principles
Independence
HMICS is independent of Police Forces, Police Authorities and Scottish Ministers. HMICS carries out its duties with professionalism, integrity and courtesy, causing a minimum of disruption to policing tasks.
Openness and Communication
HMICS not only conducts and publishes its activities openly, but also expects and encourages similar, appropriate openness from Police Forces. HMICS reports are available to the public online.
Lay Involvement
To enhance independence, and to represent the views of a wide range of interests, we try to include a lay person in our inspection activity. This is often someone who can bring to bear particular experience or professional insight.
Continuous Improvement and Internal Inspection
HMICS seeks to identify, contribute to, and communicate good practice, and will highlight areas of performance that need to be addressed.
HMICS regularly reviews the way the inspection process is conducted to ensure that the inspection regime is 'fit for purpose' and that it adds value to the provision of the policing service.
The Staff of HMICS
HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland (normally a former Chief Constable) is appointed by Royal Warrant. The Assistant Inspector of Constabulary is a serving police officer of Chief Officer rank on secondment from a Police Force. They are supported by Staff Officers usually of Superintendent rank also on secondment from Police Forces. Research, support and administrative functions are provided by support staff who are civil servants employed by the Scottish Government.
Further information on the staff of HMICS can be found here.
During the course of inspections it is often necessary to secure the services of experts in a specific field. For example, we work in collaboration with chartered accountants who conduct audits on behalf of Audit Scotland to examine Best Value during inspections and other specialist advisers are involved when necessary. These include compliance auditors from HMIC (England and Wales) in assessing Scottish forces use of the Police National Computer and the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) who provide guidance when assessing forces' compliance with its duties relating to human rights and equality.
Inspections 
HMICS carries out inspections of the following organisations:
- Each of the eight Scottish Police Forces;
- The organisations which make up the Scottish Police Services Authority including:
The Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA);
The Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO);
The Scottish Forensic Science Service (SFS);
The Scottish Police College (SPC); and
Information Services - Information and Communication Technology (formerly known as the Scottish Police Information Strategy (SPIS)).
Thematic Inspections
HMICS also focuses on particular themes across all the police organisations. The topics for thematic inspections are identified following consultation between HMICS and ACPOS, the Scottish Government, Police Authorities and other stakeholders. 'Thematic' inspections can also arise from the self assessment process or because of particular public concerns or current national issues. Once the theme has been identified, all the organisations mentioned above are visited as part of the inspection.
HMICS has also carried out joint inspections with other inspection agencies including HM Inspectorate of Fire Services, Social Work Inspectorate Agency (SWIA), HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) and Inspectorate of Prosecution for Scotland (IPS).
Changing Methodology
Work is currently being undertaken in HMICS to refine and improve our approach to inspection. The main details of this change programme are available here.
Openness and Transparency
Copies of inspection reports are sent to Scottish Ministers, Police Authorities, Local Authorities and the media. These and other HMICS publications are available for reference: