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Methodology
1. We published terms of reference (ToR) for this inspection in November 2023, which outlined our aims and objectives, as well as the approach we intended to take.
2. The ToR outlined our intention to consider the Police Scotland response to missing persons in Scotland by assessing:
- how well Police Scotland understands the demand resulting from missing persons and whether there is a well developed strategy, vision and clearly-defined objectives in place to guide the police response
- how well Police Scotland provides the necessary guidance, training and support to staff at all levels to enable them to respond effectively to missing persons
- the effectiveness of Police Scotland’s response from initial point of contact by service centres through to the resolution of missing person incidents
- how well police officers and staff respond to missing person incidents and investigations, including the availability of specialist operational support services where required
- the effectiveness and value of the Police Scotland NMPA, and how well other police information systems are used
- the impact and effectiveness of the Police Scotland NMPU and the role of divisional coordinators in improving outcomes for missing persons
- how well Police Scotland works in collaboration with partners and key stakeholders to share relevant information and to plan for and deliver effective and efficient services for missing persons
- the extent to which partners, key stakeholders and service providers make an effective contribution in improving outcomes for missing persons, by engaging in partnership agreements with police
- the effectiveness of Police Scotland’s involvement in preventative approaches (including national and local protocols and initiatives intended to reduce demand), and the impact on missing persons
- the quality of Police Scotland’s engagement and communication with missing persons once returned, and with their families, carers and key contacts throughout investigations
- how well Police Scotland evaluates service delivery and captures learning, to drive improvement, reduce demand, and achieve better outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
3. We have undertaken a range of activities to examine and assess progress against these themes, as well as the overarching state, efficiency and effectiveness of the police response to missing persons in Scotland. We have examined this from the perspective of leadership and vision, and delivery and outcomes (all key indicators in the EFQM framework).
4. We have considered the role of partners and key stakeholders in the planning and delivery of services for missing persons, and gathered information on the views and experiences of people who have been missing and of those families who have been involved with police and other missing persons services.
5. Our methodology included the following:
- a review of existing academic research and open-source documents relevant to the subject
- an audit of 365 calls made to Police Scotland’s service centres by people reporting someone missing, to analyse the quality of engagement, information gathering, risk assessment and resolution of calls
- analysis of a self-evaluation report and supporting service (provided to us by Police Scotland) on its performance against EFQM indicators
- an audit of the Police Scotland NMPA
- over 80 interviews with police personnel at all levels, and with representatives from partner organisations and key stakeholders
- onsite inspection visits to police divisions in Lanarkshire, Highland and Islands, and Edinburgh City, to meet with local partners at both senior and operational level
- review of information obtained through the Missing People charity and Barnardo's Scotland on the views and experiences of missing people and their families, carers and key contacts.
6. Our methodology has provided sound evidence of police practice and the contribution of partners, which we will refer to throughout this report.