A Report of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary: Grampian Police Review Inspection 1999

Executive Summary

The Review Inspection of Grampian Police was conducted between 14 and 22 June 1999 by Mr Graham Power, Assistant Inspector of Constabulary and Her Majesty's Lay Inspector of Constabulary, Mr Graham Harcus.

The methodology included data collection, visits by staff officers and interviews and station visits involving both the Assistant and Lay Inspectors of Constabulary. A number of senior public figures whose responsibilities bring them into contact with the force were also interviewed.

The principle focus related to the force's response to the recommendations and findings of the Primary Inspection of the force conducted by Sir William Sutherland in March 1998. Attention was also given to the measures taken by the new Chief Constable, Mr Andrew Brown QPM to restore confidence and improve performance in the force following a period during which the force had to deal with much adverse publicity and criticism.

The Chief Constable has since been joined by a new deputy chief constable, who was appointed to the force in July 1997 as the assistant chief constable and a new assistant chief constable who was appointed on 12 April 1999. The new command team was found to be energetic, enthusiastic and committed to taking the force forward. Collectively they have already delivered substantial "climatic change" within the organisation. Throughout the Inspection HMIC was impressed with the quality and enthusiasm of key staff and their apparent commitment to taking the organisation forward.

A new Joint Police Board was appointed during the Review Inspection and while HMIC has no remit to comment on the Board, the importance of its role is recognised and its active oversight of those areas of the force where it has a locus is encouraged.

The full recommendations arising from this inspection are contained in Appendix "A." Overall the force inspected favourably with evidence of a new positive climate and progressive atmosphere. Support was expressed by key personnel in other agencies and organisations both for the force and its chief officers.

Since the Primary Inspection restructuring of territorial policing and the devolvement of responsibility for CID officers has taken place. This structural re-organisation and the greater integration of uniform and CID officers is showing early benefits and there are clear indications of managers working together in a fresh corporate climate.

The focus for improvement can be summarised as follows:

• CID/Uniform integration has not progressed as effectively at sergeant and constable level as might be believed within the force and there appears to be some cultural obstacles still to be overcome;
• The Traffic Department in some respects appears detached from the rest of the force and more emphasis needs placed on the contribution these officers have to make in the disruption and detection of crime;
• Race equality issues have been promoted by the force but need now to be rooted in good practice at operational level;
• Briefing procedures have been introduced but now need to be evaluated and re-energised;
• Forward planning is weak as evidenced by the absence of a published policing plan and any formal assessment of the implications of three year budgets and efficiency savings;
• Prisoner management procedures give low priority to the welfare, dignity and rights of detained persons and require urgent review;
• Change management has been allowed to drift and a more formalised project management structure needs to be considered.

It was found that Grampian Police is a force in transition with many positive features but one which now needs to demonstrate an ability to continue to deliver positive change at operational level.

The force was found to be an efficient and effective police force for the purposes of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967 (as amended). This report is designed to highlight areas where improvement can still be achieved.