Dedicated Source Units

Strathclyde Police

Strathclyde police have a force dedicated source management unit, together with a number of divisional units. The unit at ‘E’ division, where a great deal of commitment to the use of CHIS was observed is considered good practice. The vast majority of all CHIS report only in relation to force or divisional priorities. The use of CHIS is extensive, particularly as part of level 2 operations, and the force appears to be extremely well equipped in this discipline.

Central Scotland Police

There were a number of areas of good practice evidenced by this Unit, including:

Evidence of recruiting sources in emerging threat areas, e.g. football hooliganism due to Falkirk Football Club’s return to the Scottish Premier League.

Source development – the Unit has made the best of limited resources using other officers to make initial approaches and has wisely avoided becoming involved directly or initially in any cell interventions.

A payment matrix is used and performance indicators have been developed. Efforts are underway to identify the most effective way of tracking intelligence obtained with a view to demonstrating its success in achieving results.

Lothian and Borders Police

The force has committed significant resources in this area with two dedicated source units having been created, at force level and within ‘A’ division. Both units have a dedicated controller of detective inspector rank. A covert policing policy document has been prepared and the force unit endeavours to report on force priority areas. A system is in place to identify repeat sources of intelligence.

Grampian Police

The Source Management Unit within Headquarters CID is distinct from the Dedicated Source Unit, and comprises a Detective Sergeant, a Detective Constable and two Researchers. Through effective use of IT, the unit is able to produce a six-monthly performance indication document. CHIS reporting activity in each of the divisions and at force level is analysed providing figures which show the level of intelligence gathered in line with control strategy priorities.

This SMU also has the ability to monitor sources of intelligence reporting via the Scottish Intelligence Database and from this is able to identify individuals appropriate for recruitment as CHIS. Source analysis is carried out in these circumstances and a source analysis document is produced which fully considers any risk.

The Dedicated Source Unit is staffed by a Detective Inspector and two dedicated CHIS handlers (Detective Constables). The remit of this unit is to gather intelligence in line with control strategy priorities, or where specific intelligence is required to feed tactical delivery plans. Using the information provided by the Source Management Unit, they are able to recruit CHIS in an auditable and structured manner in support of level 2 activity.

Where CHIS are reporting mainly on level 1 issues, they are passed on to the dedicated handlers in the relevant division. Force CHIS contact sheets consider NIM levels and intelligence priorities. This and other required performance information feeds into the system used by the Source Management Unit (detailed above).

Grampian Police Prison intelligence Project

The Butler Trust is an independent charity whish recognises excellence and innovation by people working with offenders in the UK.

Through its annual Award scheme and Development Programme, the Trust helps to develop effective care for offenders by identifying and promoting excellence and innovation as well as disseminating this throughout the UK. In addition it provides professional and personal development opportunities for award-winning staff.

There are a number of major awards in separate categories awarded. The Grampian Police Prison Intelligence project has been awarded a new award category for 2007. The Award was for Public Protection Work.