HM Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland Annual Report 2011-12

12 September 2012

Communities across Scotland have benefited from high quality, effective and efficient policing in 2011-12, with forces contributing to a 37-year low in reported crime and a continuing upward trend in public confidence and detection rates, according to the HMICS annual report published today.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Andrew Laing said: "During 2011/12, policing has continued to deliver a high quality service for the people of Scotland and communities can have confidence that their forces are being run effectively and efficiently in keeping Scotland safe".

The report highlighted that despite increasing financial challenges in the last year, forces still managed to deliver £24m of savings and over £33m of efficiencies, with efficiencies reinvested to contribute to a 37-year low in reported crime.

Mr Laing said: "It is clear that forces are committed to maintaining front- line services for the benefit of local communities and I am satisfied that the police service, police authorities and joint police boards in Scotland have demonstrated a clear commitment to continuous improvement".

Mr Laing also commented on the preparations underway to merge Scotland’s eight existing police forces, the Scottish Police Services Authority and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, highlighting the need to focus on delivering reform and sustaining existing performance levels.

He said: "During 2012-13 there will be significant expectation on Scottish policing to deliver a single police service for Scotland and the associated benefits of police reform".

"There are a number of challenges ahead in developing the detailed plans for this complex programme of change. However I am confident that the eight forces, the Scottish Police Services Authority and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency have become significantly engaged with key stakeholders and will continue to lead and drive this agenda through the ongoing process of reform".

He continued: "This work is being progressed within the dynamic and challenging environment in which policing operates and it is a testament to the resilience and professionalism of the staff and officers of Scottish forces and common police services that they have risen to this challenge while

maintaining the local and specialist policing and record levels of performance that keep our communities safe".

Mr Laing also referred to the future of HMICS in scrutinising the single service. He said: "As Scottish policing prepares to implement the biggest changes in its history, it is crucial that the scrutiny of policing services remains independent, proportionate and focused on those areas of highest risk. This will ensure an accountable, effective and efficient policing service for the communities of Scotland in the years ahead. We are currently developing a new scrutiny and inspection model that will be fit for purpose for the future".