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  3. Thematic inspection of police response to missing persons in Scotland
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Thematic inspection of police response to missing persons in Scotland

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Inspection reports

3rd October 2024

The aim of this inspection, undertaken by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS), was to assess the state, efficiency and effectiveness of the police response to missing persons in Scotland. The resultant inspection report is based on a comprehensive review, and involved engaging widely with police and partners through interviews, focus groups and onsite visits. Further inspection activity included a review of calls made to police service centres and an audit of the national missing persons application used by police to record incidents and guide investigations. This report outlines key findings which highlight very positive police practice found during our inspection. The recommendations made, are intended to contribute to the ongoing efforts of police and partners to achieve better outcomes for missing people and their families.

Additional

  • HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland
  • Our inspection
  • Key findings
  • Recommendations
  • Areas for development
  • Areas of good practice
  • Methodology
  • Background
  • Leadership and vision
  • Delivery
  • Outcomes
  • Appendix
  • Sources

  • HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland
  • Our inspection
  • Key findings
  • Recommendations
  • Areas for development
  • Areas of good practice
  • Methodology
  • Background
  • Leadership and vision
  • Delivery
  • Outcomes
  • Appendix
  • Sources

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) is established under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 and has wide ranging powers to look into the ‘state, effectiveness and efficiency’ of both the Police Service of Scotland (Police Scotland) and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA).

We have a statutory duty to inquire into the arrangements made by the Chief Constable and the SPA to meet their obligations in terms of best value and continuous improvement.

If necessary, we can be directed by Scottish Ministers to look into anything relating to the SPA or Police Scotland as they consider appropriate. We also have an established role in providing professional advice and guidance on policing in Scotland.

  • Our powers allow us to do anything we consider necessary or expedient for the purposes of, or in connection with, the carrying out of our functions
  • The SPA and the Chief Constable must provide us with such assistance and co-operation as we may require to enable us to carry out our functions
  • When we publish a report, the SPA and the Chief Constable must also consider what we have found and take such measures, if any, as they think fit
  • Where our report identifies that the SPA or Police Scotland is not efficient or effective (or best value not secured), or will, unless remedial measures are taken, cease to be efficient or effective, Scottish Ministers may direct the SPA to take such measures as may be required. The SPA must comply with any direction given
  • Where we make recommendations, we will follow them up and report publicly on progress
  • We will identify good practice that can be applied across Scotland
  • We work with other inspectorates and agencies across the public sector and co-ordinate our activities to reduce the burden of inspection and avoid unnecessary duplication
  • We aim to add value and strengthen public confidence in Scottish policing and will do this through independent scrutiny and objective, evidence-led reporting about what we find.

Our approach is to support Police Scotland and the SPA to deliver services that are high quality, continually improving, effective and responsive to local needs.


This thematic inspection was undertaken by HMICS in terms of Section 74(2)(a) of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 and is laid before the Scottish Parliament in terms of Section 79(3) of the Act.

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