WIREDGOV

Scottish police forces can benefit from improving the way they seek the views of the public when setting their priorities, according to a report out today.

Strategic Priority Setting in Scottish forces: consulting the public, from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland, recommends that:

• All forces should develop a consultation strategy, or review their existing strategy
• Each force should have a central database to maintain the details of consultation activities
• All consultation exercises should be evaluated and guidance on evaluation should be provided
• Forces should move away from postal surveys to face to face consultation in communities

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Paddy Tomkins said:

"At a time when community policing is at the forefront of the agenda, it is important that forces build on the existing process for addressing the needs of local communities in setting their strategic priorities.

"To do this effectively they need to have, and take account of, proper consultation with the public. We've found that forces already do this as part of their day to day work, and do it well. However we do want to see more consistency across Scotland in the processes for doing so.

"That's why we're recommending that each force should have a consultation strategy that sets out the nature, purpose and use of consultation within the force.

"We also believe that a central database for maintaining the details of these consultations will make it easier to plan and co-ordinate their consultation activities.

"It is also important to evaluate and take account of the findings of consultation exercise - and ensure they are reflected in the forces policing activities. Similarly face to face consultation in local communities will help to reassure the public that the police do take account of issues that are important in that area.

"Better consultation and evaluation of local views can help make sure the police respond more effectively to local concerns and improve the interaction between force and community."