The annual Scrutiny Plan which outlines the priorities and inspection activities of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in the coming year has been published today (Wednesday, April 18).
The Plan for 2018-19 details how HMICS will meet its statutory purpose to inquire into the state, efficiency and effectiveness of both Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA).
Its contents have been informed by extensive consultation with, and suggestions from, a wide variety of stakeholders who have an interest in policing.
HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Gillian Imery, said: “We have a busy year ahead delivering the work as laid out in the Scrutiny Plan and through it we will scrutinise Police Scotland and the SPA and support them to deliver services that are high quality, continually improving and responsive to local needs.
“A significant element of our work involves other agencies. We consulted with a wide range of partners and stakeholders in the development of this plan and I am grateful for their feedback. The plan is a mix of inspections and thematic, collaborative and assurance reviews and while it sets out the plan of work for the organisation in the coming months, it is constantly reviewed and if required will be revised.”
Under the local policing programme, Greater Glasgow Division of Police Scotland will be inspected later this year. The largest division in Police Scotland in terms of population and police officers, it covers three local authority areas. There will also be thematic reviews including one to monitor progress within the SPA of previously identified areas for improvement and another considering how Police Scotland approaches and delivers its annual policing plan.
Other areas of focus will be the information management and governance of key ICT systems, cyber crime, custody, area control rooms and the Scotland 2026 programme of Police Scotland. Joint inspections will be carried out with the Care Inspectorate, looking at a revised model for reviews of children’s services, and on counter terrorism with HMICS’ sister organisations in England and Wales.
An update on how Police Scotland is progressing with the recommendations in HMICS Assurance Review of Police Scotland Counter Corruption Unit and the Provision of Forensic Medical Services to Victims of Sexual Crime will be published, as will a final report on Call Handling.
