Areas for development

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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.

We have identified several areas for development across key processes. They are designed to improve policing services in Scotland. We expect these will be included in the improvement plan for road policing in Scotland.

Section	Areas for development	Number
Leadership and vision	Police Scotland should monitor and evaluate the impact of the Policing Together Team, particularly in relation to the recruitment and retention of people from under-represented groups into Operational Support Division.	1
Leadership and vision	Police Scotland should strengthen its internal and external communications plans, using a range of media platforms to reach the widest possible audience and to focus on prevention messages.	2
Delivery	Police Scotland should ensure that it is fully prepared for any legislative changes, and that officers and staff are trained and equipped to implement legislation within appropriate time-frames.	3
Delivery	Police Scotland should review the road policing training provided to local policing officers.	4
Delivery	Police Scotland should consider the career development opportunities available to road policing officers and staff.	5
Delivery	Local policing divisions should take steps to ensure officers conduct regular vehicle and equipment checks and that such checks are recorded.	6
Delivery	Road policing and local policing should take steps to ensure a level of consistency and positive engagement between these two functions across Scotland.	7
Delivery	Road policing and C3 should take steps to ensure a level of consistency and positive engagement between these two functions across Scotland.	8
Delivery	Police Scotland should review the Safety Camera Unit to improve the manner in which this important resource is managed and deployed.	9
Delivery	Road policing should review its on-call arrangements to ensure a consistent approach across Scotland.	10
Delivery	Police Scotland should develop a means to measure the level of prevention activity, focusing on the ‘fatal five’ causes of death and serious injury.	11
Delivery	To ensure more families receive the support they need following serious road collisions, Police Scotland should review its information-sharing protocols and referral processes, and consider a ‘consent based, opt-out’ approach.	12
Outcomes	Police Scotland should ensure a trauma-informed approach is adopted when supporting people who have been affected by a serious road collision.	13

Thematic inspection of road policing in Scotland

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Additional

Areas for development