Publication Scheme
- Introduction to the publication scheme
- About Northern Constabulary
- Preparing the publication scheme
- Accessing information under the scheme
- Information that we may withhold
- Our charging policy
- Our copyright policy
- Our records management and disposal policy
- Feedback
- Complaints
- How to access information which is not available under this scheme
- Classes of information
About Northern Constabulary
Northern Constabulary was formed on 16 May 1975 when the former forces of Inverness Constabulary, Ross & Sutherland Constabulary and parts of Argyll & Scottish North Eastern Counties Constabulary amalgamated on the reorganisation of local government in Scotland.
Local government structures in Scotland changed again in 1996 but police forces retained their 1975 areas. Northern Constabulary serves the local authority areas of Region of Highland and the Island Authorities of Orkney, Shetland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles). Councillors from all four authorities are represented on the Northern Constabulary Joint Branch Board.
The force covers an area of approximately 10,000 square miles and serves a population of approximately 300,000 people. The force has a staff of around 1,100 made up of 700 police officers and 400 support staff. There are eight geographic / territorial divisions / command areas, each headed by a divisional commander who has the responsibility for all day to day policing functions in that area. In addition to divisional resources the force has a number of units providing specialist services across the force area.
More information can be found on the Facts and Figures page.
Legislative Framework and powers
Police forces in Scotland are the subject of many pieces of legistlation however the principal Act governing the establishment and maintenance of a police force is the Police (Scotland) Act 1967. In terms of the Act, governance of the force is provided on a tri-partite basis involving the Chief Constable, the Police Board and the Scottish Government. The conditions of service and duties of police officers are principally contained in the Police (Scotland) Regulations 2004. Police officers are subject to statutory procedures relating to allegations of misconduct contained in the Police (Conduct) (Scotland) Regulations 1996 and the Police (Conduct) (Senior Officer) (Scotland) Regulations 1996.