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1. As part of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary's (HMIC) current programme of inspection the Scottish Crime Squad was inspected between 10 and 19 May 1999. The previous inspection of the Scottish Crime Squad was in 1996 and the subsequent report contained 5 main recommendations. An interim visit was made to the Squad in 1998, by the then Chief Inspector of Constabulary, when progress on these recommendations was examined. (See Appendix C.)
Methodology
2. The 1999 inspection process commenced with the Scottish Crime Squad supplying a written response to a detailed series of questions covering the operational and organisational business of the Squad. This was examined together with other statistical and documented information and formed the basis of staff officer pre-inspection visits. The methodology of the inspection included a letter to all Scottish forces and other organisations requesting an up date on the liaison with and levels of support from the Squad. During the inspection, the Assistant Inspector of Constabulary Mr Graham Power assisted by Superintendent Patricia Jenkins visited all the operational offices, the Scottish Criminal Intelligence Office (SCIO) and the Scottish Technical Support Unit (TSU) and had discussions with a wide range of police and support staff personnel. Meetings were held or contact made with senior representatives from the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise and the National Crime Squad (NCS).
3. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary acknowledges the ready co-operation and constructive assistance given by the Chairman of the Standing Committee of Chief Constables, and the Commander and staff of the Scottish Crime Squad together with those representatives of forces and other agencies, all of whom helped inform the Inspection process. HMIC is also grateful to those experienced detectives and chief officers who shared their thoughts on the future direction of the Squad.
4. The Report represents the corporate view of the Inspectorate and provides an informed assessment of the Scottish Crime Squad, based on professional judgement. It does not represent a comprehensive account of all its activities, a function which is fulfilled by the Commander's annual report. Summaries of Recommendations and Suggestions can be found at Appendices 'A' and 'B' respectively.
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