Policing the Communities of the Highlands and Islands

HOLMES

Northern Constabulary's HOLMES (Home Office Large Major Enquiry System) Unit is an investigation management system to assist Senior Investigation Officers in their management of the complex of investigating serious crime.

It enables them to improve effieciency, effectiveness and focus during criminal investigations.

Holmes 2

The success of any major investigation requires an organised and methodical approach and the Major Incident Room (MIR) is central to this. It is where all the information is gathered from members of the public, enquiry officers and other sources. The information is documented and managed, using a set of administrative procedures, into the HOLMES system used by the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) to direct and control the course of the enquiry.

In 1986 UK Police Forces started to utilise HOLMES in most major incidents including serial murders, multi-million pound fraud cases and major disasters.