Evaluation of police and fire reform year 4: summary of evidence

Additional Emerging Themes

The following additional key themes were also identified from the 19 publicly available reports analysed in 2018.

Training

• HMICS identified that Police Scotland have taken a significant step towards delivering a consistent service across Scotland through introducing training on firearms licensing though improvements could still be made. For example, there is currently no refresher training or continuous professional development for those involved in firearms licensing.
• In the Highlands HMFSI found that there was an overemphasis on theoretical rather than practical training, and a focus on completing training records, which is reducing the amount of time for practical training to maintain competence on core skills, which they believe may affect firefighter safety. A suggestion is made for SFRS to consider streamlining their software and content of training packages to make them more user-friendly.

Vulnerability

Both Police Scotland and SFRS are taking steps to address supporting vulnerable community members.

• The HMICS inspection of custody centres located in Tayside Division stated that the vulnerability questionnaire used when booking a person into custody had been revised and extended which assists in the development of care plans for each detainee.
• HMFSI found in their local inspection of the Highlands, that in the majority of fire stations, personnel have a good awareness of vulnerable members of their communities and target their resources in conjunction with partners to increase the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals. In the HMFSI local inspection in Glasgow, however, some fire station staff indicated that they were less comfortable with some aspects of the shift towards a more proactive and preventative role if this resulted in confused perceptions of the role of the fire and rescue service.

ICT (Information and Communications Technology)

The need for investment in ICT was an issue identified for both Police Scotland and SFRS.

• The HMICS inspections of custody centres in Tayside Division and firearms licensing, found that national IT (Information Technology) systems had been successfully delivered. In regards to call handling HMICS suggest that significant work has been undertaken to further stabilise ICT infrastructure and systems providing an effective medium term environment but that further investment is required.
• The SPA and Police Scotland in the three year financial plan (2018/19 to 2020/21) outlines the need for significant investment in core ICT systems, investing in cyber capability and re-designing the ways in which the public make contact with the Police.
• The HMFSI inspection of the Highlands, highlight issues around ICT connectivity which is causing delays and disruption to training and accessing the SFRS intranet. Station management are also opting to use their personal computers due to the wide variance in the number of computers at the fire stations.

The widening role of firefighters

The SFRS 'Your service your voice: A consultation on the safe and planned future of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service' document outlines their need to widen their role due to changing risks such as climate change, terrorism and the need to carry out partnership work and prevention activities.

• HMFSI found in the Highlands that the majority of firefighters were embracing their widening role, particularly the enhanced medical role when suitable training is provided. In Glasgow HMFSI found that some staff were less comfortable with expanding community safety activity beyond traditional activities.
• SCSN, Scottish Government and COSLA report on 'community safety - the emerging landscape and future opportunities' have found positive examples of SFRS taking the lead on issues they were not previously involved in such as unintentional harm.

Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee: Post-legislative scrutiny of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012

During 2018, the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee undertook post-legislative scrutiny of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012. The Committee examined whether:

• The policy intentions of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 have been realised and are being delivered in relation to the police service and the fire and rescue service; and whether
• Any further policy or legislative changes are required to improve the effectiveness of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.

In response to the Committee's call for written evidence, 54 submissions from a range of organisations and individuals were submitted (June 2018). Although outwith the period of this evidence review, the Committee published its report to the Scottish Parliament on 25 March 2019, which included:

• Justice Committee Report on the Police Service of Scotland
• Justice Committee Report on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

For more information on the work of the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee, see: https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/108179.aspx