Each year HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) sets out its Scrutiny Plan which plans how HMICS will meet its statutory purpose to inquire into the state, efficiency and effectiveness of both the Police Service of Scotland (‘Police Scotland’) and the Scottish Police Authority. This Plan is published in terms of Section 75 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 and sets out our Inspection plan over the forthcoming year.

In keeping with our statutory duty, we keep this plan under constant review, assessing and responding to competing scrutiny priorities and we now begin our consultation process for the year 2020-21.

HMICS considers many strategic themes of policing such as governance, human resources, training and development, call handling, estate and custody, leadership, workforce assurance and counter terrorism.

In an effort to obtain a more in depth understanding of the concerns and priorities that HMICS could consider for future scrutiny and to maintain transparency, this year we are undertaking an online public consultation process.

We encourage anyone with a concern or interest in policing to contribute. This will ensure key public issues that are having or are likely to have an impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of Police Scotland and the SPA are highlighted to HMICS for consideration.

To view or respond to the consultation please click the link below:

HMICS Scrutiny Plan 2020/21 Consultation