STRATHCLYDE POLICE: Review Inspection 1998

Force Response to Summary of Recommendations Contained in 1997 Primary Report

Recommendation 1

That the force reviews senior rank structures.

The force response was:

The force is examining the composition of the force with a consideration towards a reduced number of divisions. The number of senior ranks may therefore diminish.

Recommendation 2

That consideration be given to the establishment of an executive post to develop financial management.

The force response was:

Since October 1997, the force's Chief Finance Officer has been a full member of the Executive, thereby ensuring professional financial advice is available at the heart of the strategic planning process.

Recommendation 3

That the force pursues the issue of medical examination of suspected victims of child abuse with all health local authorities and Procurators Fiscal in the force area, with the aim of securing adequate and appropriate provision at all times.

The force response was:

Efforts ongoing to re-establish suitable examination arrangements and facilities at the Frederick Stone Unit at Yorkhill NHS Trust. Meanwhile, medical examinations of children are taking place in police offices carried out by police casualty surgeons.

Recommendation 4

That the existing rank structure in the Community Involvement Branch be reviewed.

The force response was:

A Chief Inspector has now been introduced to the departmental structure in place of a Superintendent.

Recommendation 5

That discussions take place to consider how problems of housing police officers in rural areas may be resolved.

The force response was:

A working party was established to examine the difficulties experienced in identifying suitable officers for duty in remote locations and a number of recommendations from their report are currently under consideration.

Recommendation 6

That consideration be given to the deployment of local officers using hand-held speed detection equipment.

The force response was:

Local officers stationed in rural environments who assist the traffic department in campaigns such as "Speedwatch" are deployed with a traffic officer to use hand-held speed detection equipment.

Recommendation 7

That discussions are held with the 4 councils concerned with a view to reducing markedly police time spent on school crossing duties.

The force response was:

A reduction of approximately 120 hours per week, when compared with the previous school term, has been achieved. Monitoring continues.

Recommendation 8

That consideration is given to the best means of ensuring that the Communications Services Department's strategy reflects other key force strategies.

The force response was:

The IT and Communications Department strategy reflects the annual force goals and targets where appropriate and set out within the Annual Strategy Report. The views of Divisional Commanders have been sought on current issues and future strategy which backs up consultation at user group meetings.

Recommendation 9

That future capital allocations from Central Government take into account the pressing need to strengthen information technology within Strathclyde Police.

The force response was:

The overall capital allocation for Strathclyde Police for 1998/99 at £6.25m is significantly down from the 1997/98 allocation and well below the £16.35m figure submitted by the force as realistic. Although prudent use of revenue funding has maintained IT and radiocommunications capital budget at £24m, the force has only two thirds of the IT resources found in equivalent forces and without the necessary additional capital funding recommended in the HMIC report.

Recommendation 10

That a review be undertaken of:

(a) the need for Chief Inspectors as investigating officers for the majority of investigations undertaken by the Complaints & Discipline Branch

(b) the deployment of Complaints Chief Inspectors covering a number of divisions.

The force response was:

(a) A marginal restructuring of the department has seen 2 officers of Inspector rank replacing Chief Inspectors, and a reduction in the establishment of the department by 1 Chief Inspector rank.

(b) The force considers there is no detriment to the independence of the investigating officer by being based within a division, and the benefits in terms of travelling time, local knowledge, proximity to officers and complainers alike and the excellent working relationships established between investigating officers and their appropriate Procurator Fiscal justify the practice of their deployment away from headquarters.