HMIC Recommendation

CMRT Response

Action by

Target Timescale

1

HMIC recommends that the SCRO oversight management structure be reformed as part of repositioning SCRO within a new Common Police Services arrangement. (paragraph 2.7.5)

The CMRT supports the reform of the oversight management structure and suggests a suitable arrangement as part of a revised model for the fingerprint service in Scotland and as an interim measure.

SCRO Executive Committee

Early consideration of structural options submitted by CMRT.

2

HMIC recommends that the post and role of quality assurance officer and training officer be separated. (paragraph 2.12.1)

Recognised by SCRO and approval given to recruit Training Officer, which is now in progress (Section 13.7)

SCRO

December 2000

3

HMIC recommends that a centralised model for a national fingerprint service be considered. (paragraph 2.15.11)

CMRT have provided different models for delivering a fingerprint service for Scotland. The Review Team's favoured option would also be the most challenging to deliver (Chapter 15)

SCRO Executive Committee

Early decision required as to preferred model required and period of implementation

4

HMIC recommends that the APRT scope the demands now and into the near future to determine the staff levels required. This exercise should include maximising the value that fingerprint evidence has for the prevention and detection of crime and taking full account of available and emerging technological advances. (paragraph 3.1.8)

Scoping exercises carried out by CMRT using scientifically based formula related to crime levels.

APRG

SCRO Executive Committee

Complete

Scoping study contained within CMRT Report

5

HMIC supports the move towards a competency-based standard for expert qualification, and recommends early progress towards this goal. (paragraph 3.5.3)

CMRT supports a review of the criteria for registration as an expert based on evidenced competencies.(Section 13.7)

ACPOS Crime Standing Committee

The Scottish Executive

April 2001

6

HMIC recommends that the concept of "authorisation" needs further consideration. (paragraph 3.5.5)

CMRT supports a review of the criteria for registration as an expert based on evidenced competencies.

ACPOS Crime Standing Committee
The Scottish Executive

April 2001

7

HMIC recommends that a protocol is agreed between SCRO and forces to ensure that due consideration is given during the planning stages of operations and initiatives, to managing the impact these can have on SCRO. (paragraph 3.10.1)

CMRT supports the agreement of such a protocol.
In correspondence the President of ACPOS has asked the Crime Standing Committee to progress this matter.

ACPOS Crime Standing Committee

Early implementation.

8

HMIC recommends a review of current locations of AFR terminals in Scotland with a view to securing improved access. (paragraph 3.12.2)

Long term location is dependent on structure adopted.
In the interim period CMRT favour a workstation being available in each bureaux

SCRO Executive Committee

Early decision on CMRT's findings with a view to implementation by April 2001

9

HMIC recommends that action is taken to secure data which informs management of sickness absence levels in a manner which can be used to monitor trends, set targets and manage sickness absence. (paragraph 4.7.8)

SCRO is utilising the monitoring system of Strathclyde Police to secure this information (Section 13.6).
Future provision of this support is a matter for ongoing review.

SCRO

ACPOS

Partially addressed

Early attention.

10

HMIC recommends that a strategy is introduced for staff within all fingerprint bureaux and identification branches to offer staff support and to assist in the detection and prevention of stress related illness resulting in absence from work. (paragraph 4.8.2)

SCRO will make full use of the facilities of Strathclyde Police's Occupational Health and Welfare Unit. Future provision of this support is a matter for ongoing review.
All forces require to ensure this recommendation is addressed

SCRO

Partially completed

11

HMIC repeats the recommendation made by consultants in June 1999, that an improved automated system of case tracking should be introduced as part of a new office management system at SCRO. (paragraph 5.8.11)

SCRO are investigating suitable packages with an understanding of the necessary criteria.

SCRO

System specified and selected by December 2000

Implementation by April 2001

12

HMIC recommends the production of a national Guidance Manual on Fingerprint Standards and Procedures to be issued to all fingerprint staff. (paragraph 5.11.3)

Work by 8FSG underway.

8FSG

Completed by October 2001

13

HMIC recommends the establishment of a national policy which encapsulates an independent review process to deal with all erroneous and disputed fingerprint identifications. (paragraph 5.20.4)

Matter to be developed by 8FSG.

8FSG

April 2001

14

HMIC recommends that the external provision and management of competency testing for experts is an aspect that the APRT needs to pursue with vigour to seek an early, sustainable and defensible programme. (paragraph 6.5.3)

CMRT supports the external provision of competency testing.
SCRO have already contracted to have testing undertaken in January 2001.
Issue is supported by all force representatives on the 8FSG.

SCRO Executive Committee

ACPOS

Completed by January 2001

Commitment by December 2000

15

HMIC recommends that managing the change to a non-numeric standard should be addressed at a very early point by the APRT (paragraph 6.9.3)

CMRT supports the move towards a non-numeric standard. This is a significant change which would require a project management approach to implementation.

ACPOS Crime Standing Committee

Early consideration being given by 8FSG.Implementation date to be determined following initial work of a Project Board

16

HMIC recommends that the important area of court presentation skills be given a new impetus. (paragraph 6.9.3)

Early consideration by the 8FSG. Detailed development to be undertaken by creation of a Training Forum of the 8FSG.

8FSG

Develop Best Practise document by October 2001

17

HMIC recommends that regular refresher training should be incorporated into a national training standard for fingerprint experts to ensure that expertise is maintained at the highest level taking account of developments in theory and technology. (paragraph 7.5.4)

Early consideration by the 8FSG. Detailed development to be undertaken by the Training Forum of the 8FSG.

8FSG

Develop Best Practise document by October 2001

18

HMIC recommends that a specific effort be made to bring the weeding up to date. (paragraph 8.4.2)

SCRO have been given authority to employ 6 temporary clerical staff to specifically address this issue.

SCRO

Completion by October 2002

19

HMIC recommends that all fingerprint experts within the SCRO Fingerprint Bureau should undergo competency testing provided and managed by an external provider as soon as possible. (paragraph 8.8.3)

SCRO have already contracted to have testing undertaken in January 2001.

SCRO Executive Committee

Completed by January 2001

20

HMIC recommends that a common procedure, subject to validation by an external body, be put in place in all fingerprint bureaux to deal with failure in the course of competency testing. (paragraph 8.9.1)

Priority consideration by the 8FSG to address this matter.

8FSG

December 2000

21

HMIC recommends that a review is undertaken of the current authorisation process with a view to establishing a competency based qualification for expert status. (paragraph 8.11.5)

CMRT supports a review of the criteria for registration as an expert based on evidenced competencies.

ACPOS Crime Standing Committee
The Scottish Executive

April 2001

22

HMIC recommends that the APRT give early attention to establishing a corporate identity for SCRO. (paragraph 8.12.4)

The relocation of SCRO to Pacific Quay begins a process of separation and independence. The national structure which emerges will be the determining factor in the establishment of a corporate identity, and will inform deliberations on a change of name for the organisation.

SCRO Executive Committee

In line with decisions on structure

23

HMIC recommends that practices be reviewed with a view to introducing a system which increases the independence within the identification/verification process. (paragraph 8.15.2)

CMRT supports this approach and provides a basis for new practices to be developed by the 8FSG as a priority.

8FSG

April 2001

24

HMIC recommends that the SCRO fingerprint bureau liaises with the ACPOS working group on ECHR, particularly in relation to its development of a manual on standards and procedures. (paragraph 8.17.2)

SCRO have consulted with this group and have developed self assessment package used by all Scottish forces.

SCRO

Partially Complete

25

HMIC recommends that the APRT look closely at the development of the National Council for Registration of Forensic Practitioners and give consideration as to how Scotland can capitalise on this new Council. (paragraph 8.19.5)

CMRT supports the view that CRFP registration should be pursued as a matter of urgency by all fingerprint bureaux when it becomes available.

ACPOS Crime Standing Committee

December 2000