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Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland

What is HMICS? 5x3 chequered box containing alternating blue and white squares with HMICS in block capitals located underneath the box

HMICS is responsible for inspecting the eight Scottish police forces and five police services.

HMICS operates independently of the Police Forces, Police Authorities and the Scottish Government and exists to monitor and improve the police services in Scotland. HMICS does this by:

  • Inspecting and advising Police Forces and the services provided by the Scottish Police Services Authority
  • Carrying out 'Thematic' Inspections
  • Providing advice to Scottish Ministers

Even though HMICS is independent of the Scottish Government, Ministers can call upon the Inspectorate to undertake particular pieces of work.

Work of HMICS

The full role and remit of HMICS is contained on our 'About Us' page.

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.

Further information on HMICS, including copies of our Inspection reports can be found via the links on the left. Recent publications are available below.

Latest HMICS news

Publication dateArticle
23 September 2008Applications are now being sought for an Inspection Manager vacancy. Click here for further information.

Recent publications

Publication Date

Title
27 August 2008Thematic Inspection: Domestic Abuse
26 June 2008Thematic Inspection: Care of detained and arrested children
30 May 2008Thematic Inspection: Quality of service and feedback to users of police services in Scotland
13 May 2008Thematic Inspection: Serious Fraud
1 May 2008Thematic Inspection: Productivity of Police Officers
16 April 2008Natural Justice: A joint thematic inspection of the arrangements in Scotland for preventing, investigating and prosecuting wildlife crime
8 April 2008

Thematic Inspection: Custody Facilities

4 March 2008A review of how the Scottish Crime Recording Standard has developed within the police service in Scotland since 2005


Page updated: Tuesday, September 23, 2008