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Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary under the direction of the Secretary of State are required to visit and enquire into the state and efficiency of Scottish police forces on a three year cycle. In the first year a comprehensive Primary Inspection of management and operational functions takes place, from which Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMCIC) may make recommendations on matters which he considers that the force needs to address. A typical response to this process would be the preparation of an action plan by the chief constable to develop agreed aspects of the primary report. In the following year a Review Inspection is carried out, generally by the Assistant Inspector of Constabulary, which examines progress made in addressing the recommendations resulting from the Primary Inspection, together with any other significant changes and developments which have occurred in the interim. Her Majesty's Lay Inspector of Constabulary participates in both Primary and Review Inspections. In the third year, HMCIC completes what is described as a 'Visit' Inspection, to discuss results of any significance following the Review Inspection. Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary are required to publish Primary and Review Inspection reports.
In March 1998 a Primary Inspection of Grampian Police was carried out by HMCIC, Sir William Sutherland. The published report made thirteen recommendations as well as a number of observations and suggestions. The Primary Inspection took place at a difficult period in the force's history amidst a number of external enquiries including the investigation into the handling of the Scott Simpson murder enquiry. The retirement of the then Chief Constable followed in May 1998. As a result of a number of concerns about the force the Secretary of State for Scotland directed that a special interim inspection take place six months after the publication of the Primary Inspection report. This was carried out by HMCIC and a report on the force's progress in respect of the recommendations contained in the Primary Inspection Report and the Scott Simpson Enquiry Report was submitted to the Secretary of State in September 1998. A new chief constable had been appointed in June 1998 and the force had just started addressing the recommendations made in these reports and implementing a number of significant changes to its structure and operation. Following the report submitted in terms of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967 and HMCIC's Inspection, the then Secretary of State wrote to the force expressing his acceptance of the progress made by the force in relation to both the Primary Inspection Report and the Scott Simpson Enquiry Report.
In June 1999 a Review Inspection of Grampian Police was carried out by the Assistant Inspector of Constabulary, Mr Graham Power and Her Majesty's Lay Inspector of Constabulary, Mr Graham Harcus, assisted by Superintendent Fiona Clacher.
This Review Inspection was a planned revisit to the force and took place as part of the normal inspection cycle fifteen months after the Primary Inspection.
This report on the Review Inspection represents the collective views of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) and provides an informed assessment of the force based on the professional judgement of those who participated in the Inspection. A Review Inspection by necessity concentrates on those aspects of a force's performance identified at the time of the Primary Inspection as requiring attention. It does not represent a comprehensive account of all the activities of Grampian Police.
HM Inspectors acknowledge the co-operation received during the course of the Inspection from members of the force, elected representatives and public officials. Their views and comments were helpful and gratefully received.
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