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  4. Areas for development

Thematic inspection of road policing in Scotland

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Inspection reports

5th November 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 delivery of road policing arrangements in Scotland. The resultant inspection report is based on a comprehensive review, which involved engaging with specialist road policing officers and with local policing officers across Scotland.  We also met with partners and other key stakeholders.  We were particularly grateful to have the assistance of charitable organisations who support vulnerable road users and people who  have been affected by serious road collisions.  We visited other UK police services and best practice from other areas have been highlighted. This report outlines key findings which highlight very positive partnership working arrangements found during our inspection. We were particularly impressed by the professionalism and commitment of the road policing officers we engaged with. The recommendations made, are intended to strengthen the partnership approach to road safety and road crime - in order to make Scotland’s roads safer.

Additional

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

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

Areas for development

We have identified several areas for development across key processes. They are designed to improve policing services in Scotland. We expect these will be included in the improvement plan for road policing in Scotland.

Section

Areas for development

Number

Leadership and vision

Police Scotland should monitor and evaluate the impact of the Policing Together Team, particularly in relation to the recruitment and retention of people from under-represented groups into Operational Support Division.

1

Leadership and vision

Police Scotland should strengthen its internal and external communications plans, using a range of media platforms to reach the widest possible audience and to focus on prevention messages.

2

Delivery

Police Scotland should ensure that it is fully prepared for any legislative changes, and that officers and staff are trained and equipped to implement legislation within appropriate time-frames.

3

Delivery

Police Scotland should review the road policing training provided to local policing officers.

4

Delivery

Police Scotland should consider the career development opportunities available to road policing officers and staff.

5

Delivery

Local policing divisions should take steps to ensure officers conduct regular vehicle and equipment checks and that such checks are recorded.

6

Delivery

Road policing and local policing should take steps to ensure a level of consistency and positive engagement between these two functions across Scotland.

7

Delivery

Road policing and C3 should take steps to ensure a level of consistency and positive engagement between these two functions across Scotland.

8

Delivery

Police Scotland should review the Safety Camera Unit to improve the manner in which this important resource is managed and deployed.

9

Delivery

Road policing should review its on-call arrangements to ensure a consistent approach across Scotland.

10

Delivery

Police Scotland should develop a means to measure the level of prevention activity, focusing on the ‘fatal five’ causes of death and serious injury.

11

Delivery

To ensure more families receive the support they need following serious road collisions, Police Scotland should review its information-sharing protocols and referral processes, and consider a ‘consent based, opt-out’ approach.

12

Outcomes

Police Scotland should ensure a trauma-informed approach is adopted when supporting people who have been affected by a serious road collision.

13

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