HMICS has published its Terms of Reference for the first phase of its Audit and Assurance Review of Stop and Search activity within Police Scotland.

The overall aim of the audit and assurance review is to assess the state, efficiency and effectiveness of the process for recording stop and search and the procedures for its supervision, audit and governance.

It will also examine the impact of the performance framework and targets in relation to stop and search activity.

HMICS made a commitment in its Scrutiny Plan 2014-15 to carry out an inspection of stop and search activity. Due to ongoing improvement work by Police Scotland, HMICS will now carry out its audit in two stages.

Phase I, which will be completed early next year, will include an initial assessment of the accuracy of Police Scotland’s data and will look at what, if any, influence performance has on police officer activity. It will also consider recording of alcohol seizures, consensual searches and elements of the current pilot in Fife Division.

Phase II, which will take place during the summer of 2015, will be a rigorous independent audit of stop and search recording.

At the end of each phase, reports will be published and laid before the Scottish Parliament.