Further Detail on Report Topic

On 13th July 2022, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Scotland (HMICS) published the Terms of Reference for their Assurance Review with the aim to ‘assess the state, efficiency and effectiveness of the arrangements in relation to the processes which are in place for obtaining, analysing and reporting toxicology samples obtained for Section 4 and Section 5A Road Traffic Act 1988 cases’.

HMICS has concluded their detailed Assurance Review and published their report on their findings on 25th April 2023. HMICS made 25 recommendations for improvement, highlighting a number of key areas including strategy, planning, process, management, reporting, scrutiny and prevention in relation to drugs driving.

The HMICS report was presented to the Scottish Police Authority meeting on 21st June 2023 by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.

Partners were required to develop action plans associated with the recommendations across the range of areas identified.

In response to the publication of the HMICS report, Forensic Services, SPA and Police Scotland developed action plans to address the recommendations where the organisations were the identified Action Leads.

Good progress is being made in terms of Forensic Services, SPA and Police Scotland addressing the recommendations.

The appendix provides a summary of progress in relation to the recommendations where Forensic Services, SPA and Police Scotland are Action Leads. This report does not cover the remaining recommendations, such as those owned by the Scottish Government.