HM Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland welcomes the publication today (Thursday, January 29, 2015) of the Scottish Police Authority’s report following its scrutiny inquiry into Police Scotland’s standing firearms authority for police armed response vehicles.

It follows the publication, in October, of HMICS’ own review of the Standing Firearms Authority for Armed Response Vehicle Crews within Police Scotland. (http://www.hmics.org/sites/default/files/publications/HMICS%20-%20Review%20of%20Standing%20Firearms%20Authority%20for%20Armed%20Response%20Vehicle%20Crews%20within%20Police%20Scotland_0.pdf)

HM Inspector of Constabulary, Derek Penman, said: “This scrutiny inquiry by the SPA complements our recent assurance review which contained a number of recommendations for both Police Scotland and the SPA.”

“In particular, it reinforces our recommendation that Police Scotland and the SPA need to engage with local communities and interested parties on issues which are likely to have a significant public impact.”

“The SPA has shown in its report that the public impact of Police Scotland’s deployment of armed response vehicle crews may not have been as marked as initially perceived, and overall, public confidence in policing has not been affected.”

Mr Penman added: “I also welcome the fact that the SPA has taken the opportunity to review its statutory accountability framework and confirmed it has sufficient powers and greater clarity over roles, responsibilities and boundaries to exercise effective scrutiny over Police Scotland.”

HMICS looks forward to the publication of Police Scotland’s own review into the carriage and deployment of armed response vehicles which is expected next month.