Analysts

Across the majority of the Scottish forces there is good practice in relation to the deployment of analysts across various policing functions including Special Branch, Road Policing, Community Safety Partnership, as well as those intelligence / crime related analytical roles.

A number of forces hold regular analyst workshops or meetings, the purpose of which being to identify and share best practice across the organisation. This is supported by the national analyst workshop hosted at regular intervals by the Scottish Police College.

Northern Constabulary

In relation to the communication and marketing of their analytical capability, the force analysts have travelled throughout the force providing input to officers at all levels in order to promote understanding of their role and the various services which can be provided.

Fife Constabulary

There are timetabled meetings and workshops for analysts and intelligence officers to share information, discuss issues, and identify areas for development. This promotes the concept of joint working between the two disciplines and has clear benefits.

The force uses analysts performing specialist roles within the Road Policing section and the Community Safety department. This provides analytical support in key areas of the business and demonstrates commitment to the best use of analysis.

Dedicated NIM personnel

Strathclyde Police

The creation of a dedicated team has proved invaluable in developing the NIM across the considerable force area. It seems clear that the only effective way to embed the NIM within an organisation is to use dedicated personnel.

Performance management of frontline officers

British Transport Police

There was good general awareness amongst frontline officers as to the T&CG process, tasking and force priorities. Significant emphasis is placed on performance and officers are given very specific targets in relation to arrests, the submission of intelligence etc. A number of these are clearly tied to control strategy priorities. Awareness of force and area priorities is further enhanced through the appraisal system whereby officers have to set out their goals for the year and link them to area or force priorities.

Fife Constabulary

A brief version of the NIM training package has forwarded to all constables and sergeants as directed by the Force Operations Group. The format went very well and was supported by all divisional / department heads.

The promulgation of NIM Training to staff on this scale shows that Fife Constabulary are driving forward NIM implementation across the whole spectrum of policing in Fife and is an example of good practice in relation to the management / training of frontline officers.