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Tayside Police Primary Inspection 2002
Introduction
1 This primary inspection of Tayside Police was conducted in April 2002
by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Roy Cameron, Her Majesty's
Lay Inspector, Mrs Jane Irvine, and Assistant Inspector, Mr Kenneth McInnes.
2 The methodology used by HMIC is that of a 'protocol-based' approach to
inspection. The first stage is an option appraisal, where functions and processes
to be scrutinised are selected by HMIC. For this inspection, 23 protocols covering
specific areas of police activity were selected for self-assessment and completion
by the force.
3 HMIC acknowledges at this early stage of the report the contribution to
the inspection process made by the force in its firm management and organisation
of the protocol response. Most notably, the bulk of the documentary evidence
provided by the force in support of its response was provided in electronic
format, collated, linked and referenced for ease of access and all contained
within one CD. As HMIC refines the inspection process full cognisance will be
taken of the experience of forces in meeting the inspection requirements and
the force is commended for its impressive efforts in this area.
4 The inspection process encompassed a joint Best Value audit/inspection
by HMIC and Audit Scotland on behalf of the Accounts Commission. This continuing
arrangement is intended to allow the respective statutory responsibilities of
both organisations to be discharged while reducing the overall inspection burden
in forces.
5 Prior to the inspection, HMIC sought the written views of a number of
partnership, statutory and voluntary bodies. The vast majority of the written
responses were complimentary in their tone; where issues were raised they were
explored as part of the inspection process and in some cases influenced the
findings.
6 During the inspection, HMIC met with the Police Authority and local representatives
of the Superintendents' Association, the Police Federation and the support staff
unions. In the course of visits, HMIC met with local authority officials, members
of local partnership groups, police support staff and officers of varying ranks
and roles, individually or in focus groups.
7 Whilst this report is an informed assessment of Tayside Police, it is
a snapshot and does not purport to be a full account of all of its activities.
That function is covered by the Chief Constable's Annual Report.
8 As a consequence of this Inspection, 16 recommendations have been made,
which are included in the body of the report and summarised on page 2. These
recommendations are directed in a constructive way to assist the force in continuous
improvement of its service delivery for the residents of Tayside. The overall
impression of the force outlined in this report is a positive one and HMIC supports
the direction taken.
9 It is also important to note that HMIC records good practice. The good
practice can be a process or practice, which HMIC regards as having made a contribution
to continuous improvement. As such it is noted in order that other forces or
police organisations can consider whether it is appropriate to adopt the practice.
It is recognised that not all good practice is transferable. The identification
of good practice is a judgement made by HMIC and may not have included a full-scale
evaluation.
10 In terms of Section 33(3) of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967, as amended
the force was found to be efficient and effective.
11 HMIC wishes to acknowledge the support of the Chief Constable and Police
Authority and is appreciative of the assistance and co-operation provided throughout
the inspection process. The interest and assistance given by all staff within
Tayside Police and from the wide range of organisations visited is also greatly
valued.
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