HMICS Assurance review of Conduct and Discipline

14. To deliver this assurance review, we adopted a comprehensive, evidence-based approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods, using the HMICS Framework and the EFQM model.

 Interviews

15. We conducted 117 interviews from across a broad range of stakeholders. This included officers and staff from Police Scotland and the SPA, particularly those within the PSD, Human Resources (HR), and the SPA complaints team. Interviewees also included those with experience of conduct or discipline processes, as well as representatives from staff associations and trade unions.

16. We also held discussions with key external stakeholders including the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC), the Home Office, Scottish Government, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service (HMICFRS), and the College of Policing.

Observations

17. We observed conduct-related training sessions delivered to new probationary officers and facilitated focus groups to assess participants’ understanding and perceptions of the training received.

18. Our inspectors spent several days observing NGAU staff as they received, recorded and assessed initial reports of wrongdoing.

19. We attended a range of internal Police Scotland meetings where conduct and disciplinary decisions were made, including the following.

• Conduct Assessment Meetings
• Suspensions Review Meetings
• Case Allocation Review Panels
• senior management meetings within PSD and HR
• Police Scotland People Board Meetings
• SPA Complaints and Conduct Committee
• Scottish Government Justice Committee
• Police Appeals Tribunals (PAT)

Benchmarking

20. To assess comparative practice, we visited Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and West Midlands Police. These benchmarking visits focused on their approaches to prevention, organisational learning, conduct processes and professional standards, allowing comparison with arrangements within Police Scotland.

Document review

21. A limited self-evaluation was issued to both Police Scotland and the SPA. We reviewed the completed submissions alongside a broad range of documentation, including internal reports, academic research, guidance documents, training materials, legislation and management information.

Case/file review and observations

22. We examined 107 concluded police officer conduct case files, including: all concluded gross misconduct cases resulting in no finding of misconduct; all cases overturned at a subsequent PAT; and a random sample of additional concluded conduct cases.

23. In addition, we reviewed 23 concluded police staff disciplinary cases. This comprised: all concluded gross misconduct where no misconduct was ultimately found; all dismissals subsequently reinstated following appeal; and a random sample of other concluded discipline cases.