Annual report 2023-24

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 annual report is produced under section 82(3) of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 and presented to Scottish Ministers for laying before the Scottish Parliament.