Tayside Police Primary Inspection 1999

Executive Summary

1. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) undertook a Primary Inspection of Tayside Police in April. It comprised pre-inspection work by staff officers, visits to headquarter functions, examination of aspects of the three territorial divisions and community partnership activity.

2. Generally, the force was performing well in the standard result areas such as crime and traffic and there was effective work being done at a local level in a collaborative way with a wide cross-section of the community.

3. Uniform patrols and police station counter staff are the public face of a police force but good service delivery hinges on the individual contributions of all staff. Staff seen during the inspection were found to be enthusiastic and committed. They gave their views in a frank and constructive way. For the most part consultation was described as good but on some occasions better communication was raised as an issue.

4. Across a range of issues good practice was seen and is reported on. A number of suggestions and recommendations are made by HMIC to assist the force with the process of continuous improvement. Chief Constables have agreed that HMIC recommendations will be referred to and commented on in Force Annual Reports.

5. The areas for improvement include the following:

• Greater clarity on policy decisions with an improved audit trail of accountability
• Creation of a high level steering/co-ordinating group for information technology
• Improved management information at a force level and more emphasis on a performance culture
• Appointment of a Director of Intelligence to lead and drive an intelligence led approach across the force
• Implementation of a corporate communications strategy
• Improved briefing and directed deployment
• Enhanced involvement of the Police Board in complaint cases.

6. Three issues, which have relevance for all Scottish Forces, were seen in Tayside and these will be pursued by HMIC on a broader front. In brief they are:

• Video recording of child victims at the point of interview
• Use of tape recording for interviewing suspects
• Use of 'video identification parades'.

These matters will be pursued through the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland Crime Standing Committee.

7. Efficiency and effectiveness was being achieved across the Force and this report points to areas which can be developed to improve the service provided.