Force Review
Information Section
As a result of the consultative strategic planning process for 2006/2007, the Force Executive commissioned a root and branch review of its organisational structures and key processes to ensure its ability to meet future demands and maintain the full spectrum of policing services required for the Highlands and islands. Importantly, the potential to reduce bureaucracy for front line staff was identified as a desirable aim.
This direction was made in response to increasing demands, which included national responses to high risk policing requirements. This naturally incorporated examination of its use of resources to effectively deliver future service and provide as close as possible a match with its identified demands.
Retention of the Force’s community based approach to local policing and devolved resource management arrangements to shape responses to local needs were prerequisite conditions of the review. Work commenced on Phase One (review) in April 2006 with a view to making associated recommendations by April 2007.
The objectives for the review were set in the following terms:
1. Evaluate and develop Northern Constabulary’s key management of crime processes in terms of their capacity to promote efficiency and effectiveness within The Scottish Criminal Justice System.
2. Identify key opportunities to enhance organisational capacity and capability.
3. Review Northern Constabulary’s key corporate support functions to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in terms of being “fit for purpose” and supporting operational activity.
4. Align Northern Constabulary’s organisational structures, footprint and service delivery with the activities and strategic directions of key partner organisations.
On completion of Phase One, 20 strategic recommendations were made and later approved by the Force decision making process. This commenced Phase Two of the programme in April 2007.
Implementation of these recommendations will deliver the following improvements or enhancements to the capacity and capability of the Force and thereby the service it delivers to the community:
- Gradual increase in officer numbers across the Force through efficiency saving
- Release of headquarters based officers for operational policing through restructuring
- Increased officer patrol time through reduced bureaucracy
- Improved police presence at times of peak demand through effective resource management
- Greater flexibility to pursue local policing initiatives through improved officer availability and inter-area working
- Greater availability and use of time saving technology
- Improved operational access to enabling technology
- Streamlining of business support to core policing activity
- Re-structuring of operational boundaries to better reflect those of partner organisations to promote joint working whilst maintaining the integrity of local policing teams
Implementation of these changes have already commenced and will continue over the coming months.
Map of the new divisions in PDF format