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  3. Thematic inspection of road policing in Scotland
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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

Methodology

12. We interviewed officers and staff from across Police Scotland, staff associations, trade unions, partner organisations and other key stakeholders.

13. During our inspection, we visited West Midlands, Surrey and Sussex police services, and we engaged with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, to identify best practice in other parts of the UK.

14. We set up focus groups and interviewed officers and staff based in the north, west and east command areas of Police Scotland. One division from each command area was identified to gain an appreciation of the issues in contrasting parts of the organisation, as follows:

  • North – North East Division (A Division)
  • West – Greater Glasgow Division (G Division)
  • East – Fife Division (P Division).

15. We issued a self-evaluation to Police Scotland and, on its completion, we reviewed an extensive range of relevant documentation including policies, procedures, performance and management information, strategies, plans and training course materials.

16. During our inspection we were assisted by a number of charitable organisations who support vulnerable road users and people who have been affected by serious road collisions.

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