tayside police annual report 2003-2004
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Chief Constable's Annual Performance Report 2003-2004TRANSCRIPT
POLICINGWITHVISIONSETTINGTHESTANDARD
C H I E F C O N S TA B L E ’ SA N N U A L P E R F O R M A N C E R E P O R T
2003-2004
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Table of Contents
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TAYSIDE JOINT POLICE BOARD AND FORCE EXECUTIVE .............................................04
FOREWORD........................................................................................................................06
A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH..................................................................................09
LEAD CONSTABLES............................................................................................................11
SIGN OF A FORCE TO BE RECOGNISED .........................................................................12
BEST VALUE ........................................................................................................................13
PROPERTY SERVICES ..........................................................................................................15
CENTRAL DIVISION ...........................................................................................................16
EASTERN DIVISION ............................................................................................................18
WESTERN DIVISION...........................................................................................................20
HQ CRIME MANAGEMENT................................................................................................22
POLICE FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY, DUNDEE....................................................24
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................25
IDEAS t.y. .............................................................................................................................26
HUMAN RESOURCES AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT ........................................................27
DIVERSITY MATTERS...........................................................................................................28
SPECIAL CONSTABULARY..................................................................................................29
SPECIALIST SUPPORT.........................................................................................................30
FINANCIAL STATISTICS ......................................................................................................33
STATISTICS ..........................................................................................................................34
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Tayside Joint Police Board MembersAN
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Depute ProvostStewart McGlynn
CouncillorIan Mackintosh JP
Councillor Robert G Myles JP
Councillor Jack C Gibb
Lord ProvostJohn R Letford JP
BaillieNeil I C Powrie JP
Councillor Christina Roberts
Councillor George Regan
Councillor Helen Dick
Councillor James Barrie
CouncillorLewis D D Simpson
CouncillorJack Coburn
Councillor H Alan Jack
Councillor David M Scott JP
Councillor Alexander J Stewart JP
Councillor Colin H YoungConvenerPerth & Kinross Council
Depute ProvostCharles D P FarquharOBE JP DLVice ConvenerDundee City Council
Councillor Ron ScrimgeourVice ConvenerAngus Council
CONVENER AND VICE-CONVENERS
The past year has seen Tayside Police leadingmany initiatives that have greatly improvedtheir service to the communities of Tayside.Some of these are now being adoptednationally and demonstrates the wealth oftalent and foresight in the Force.
The Chief Constable’s Annual PerformanceReport, once again, reveals the continuingimprovements that Tayside Police has madein many areas of its work. Congratulations toall Police Officers, the Special Constabularyand Support Staff for their achievements inthe last year.
Tayside Joint Police Board and Tayside Policewill face changes and challenges in the yearsahead but I have every confidence that,together, we can continue to make Tayside asafe place to live, work and visit.
I would like to thank the Vice-Conveners andthe members of the Joint Board for theirsupport, assistance and advice and I lookforward to the year ahead.
Councillor Colin YoungConvener, Tayside Joint Police Board
The Force Executive
Convener’s Message
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Chief ConstableJohn Vine QPM
Director of HumanResource ServicesMoira Docherty
Director of CorporateServices
Doug Cross
Assistant ChiefConstable
Willie Bald
Deputy ChiefConstable
Ian Gordon QPM
Professional StandardsHeadquarters Division
Police Forensic Science LaboratoryWildlife Issues
Central DivisionEastern DivisionWestern Division
HQ Crime ManagementOperational SupportForce Control Room
HQ Road Policing
IT & CommunicationsLegal Services
Corporate Property & SupportServicesFinance
Human Resource ServicesStaff Development
Occupational Health Provider
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Chief Constable’s ForewordAN
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To the First Minister for Scotland, TaysideJoint Police Board, Sheriff Principal forTayside, Fife and Central Scotland and theTayside community that we serve, it gives megreat pleasure to present my fourth AnnualPerformance Report as Chief Constable ofTayside Police.
It has been a year of tremendous hard workand achievement - a year in which the staff ofTayside Police has displayed great enthusiasmand a determination to deliver a standard ofservice worthy of recognition.
I am proud of their efforts over the lasttwelve months. Allied to the progress madein previous years, we continue to ensure thatTayside is amongst the safest places to live inthe UK.
That exemplary commitment and motivationhas been reflected in the support of thepublic, local authorities and partner agencies,as well as the members of the Joint PoliceBoard.
A year ago I stated that Tayside Police was aForce to be reckoned with. It is an assertionthat holds as true now as it did then.
But progress continues apace. Commentsand acknowledgement from police forcesand other agencies throughout the UnitedKingdom tell us that the community ofTayside has an aspirational police force that issetting the standards for others to follow.
Our work has been co-ordinated and aimedat driving crime down and detection rates up.Without that sharp focus and the support ofeveryone within the community, we wouldnot have seen the results of the past twelvemonths.
I hope that these results will bring somereassurance to the public, particularly themore vulnerable members of ourcommunity. Today, the fear of crime is out of
kilter with the reality of crime. We areexposed to reports of crime incidents farmore now than ever before because of theproliferation of media outlets.
Alarming headlines, whether about incidentson our doorstep or much farther afield,concern us all and, yes, we must all adopt acertain vigilance to avoid becoming a victimof crime.
But to tackle the fear of crime we must viewheadlines on crime within the context of theentire story. Crime in Tayside is down anddetection rates in the area have increasedmarkedly.
As individuals we do not run an increased riskof becoming a victim of crime. Theoverwhelming majority of people in Taysidecan live their life without threat or fear.
Put simply, there were 774 fewer crimes inTayside in 2003-2004 than in 2002-2003. Atthe same time, some 3600 more crimeswere solved.
There were 12 more serious violent crimesduring the year, but such incidents accountfor a very small proportion of all recordedincidents. Furthermore, in excess of nine outof ten of those crimes were detected.
These crimes are few in number andrandom serious violent incidents are rarerstill. Viewed over the longer term, it isencouraging that there were almost 100fewer serious violent crimes in Tayside lastyear compared to five years ago.
Tackling housebreaking and vehicle crimehave been key priorities for Tayside Police.Both are invasive crimes that can leave theirvictims emotionally devastated. Again thefigures are a testament to the hard work andexpertise of our officers.
“A year ago I stated that Tayside Policewas a Force to be reckoned with. It is an assertion that holds as true now as it did then..”
Chief Constable’s Foreword
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Housebreaking is down by 21%. Vehiclecrime is down by 34%.
That equates to 303 fewer homes beingbroken into in 2003-2004 and 1500 fewerrecorded vehicle crimes.
Detection rates are 37.7% (up 11.1%) and31.9% (up 10.5%) respectively.
The small number of recidivists in ourcommunity are squarely within our sights.We make no apologies for that, as this tactichas undoubtedly paid dividends in disruptingtheir behaviour. We are determined that theminority who make others lives a misery areheld accountable for their actions.
To this end, we continue to work closely withthe Crown Office and Procurator FiscalService to ensure that rigorous bailconditions are applied and enforced withregard to repeat offenders.
Technology and scientific advances ensurethat there are fewer hiding places than everbefore for those who commit crime.
Here in Tayside we have a pragmaticapproach to tackling crime based oncommunity engagement and intelligence-ledpolicing. But we also embrace moderndevelopments in information technology andforensic science to equip our staff with thenecessary tools to deliver the higheststandards of service.
The Police Forensic Science Laboratory,Dundee continues to be a leader in its fieldand is home to the fourth largest DNAdatabase in the world.
Its groundbreaking work not only points anunequivocal finger of blame at the offender, itis invaluable in saving hours of policeinvestigative work in eliminating suspects.
During 2003, Tayside Police designed andimplemented a new computerised personnelsystem. Such has been its success, that it hasbeen adopted across Scotland as the modelfor all Scottish forces. Over the past year, wehave been working with Central ScotlandPolice, Dumfries and Galloway Constabularyand Strathclyde Police to implement SCOPEin the respective forces resulting in all threenow having a working version of the systemin place.
Whilst such advances are of immediatebenefit to police staff, they enable a betterservice delivery to the community as awhole.
Tayside Police is a police service for thecommunity. The Tayside Police style, with itsemphasis on community policing and theallocation of constables to regular beats isproving to be successful. I am determinedthat we will continue to make every effort tomaximise the role of the uniformed policeofficer in the community.
Community policing is crucial to how we doour business and our success in tackling and,importantly, preventing crime. We cannotafford for our officers to be viewed asoutsiders by the public they serve. Byallocating constables to regular beats we areaiming to ensure that they are an integral partof that community.
Furthermore, we are wholeheartedlycommitted to an invaluable region-wideprogramme of community planning with ourpartner agencies and organisations thatunderpins our core policing activities.
In 2003, Tayside Police introduced the postof Lead Constable which is designed torecognise uniformed beat constables asspecialists in their own right. It is acommitment to the officers and the public toretain experienced motivated and highly
valued officers within the community.
It is another first for Tayside. Other policeforces in the UK are taking notice and manyseem set to follow the Tayside trend ofappointing Lead Constables.
The National Intelligence Model, as well as arobust crime recording strategy,complements our community-led approachperfectly as it helps us to identify ourpriorities and challenges and then target ourresources towards where they are mostneeded.
This approach has assisted us in tacklingnuisance crime as well as serious offences.Historically, anti-social behaviour andvandalism have not been treated with thepriority they deserve.
Times have changed in Tayside and rightly so.We share the Scottish Executive’scommitment to improve people’s quality oflife and, in partnership with other agencies,eradicate the menace of wanton destructionand annoyance.
As a result of targeted policing and initiativessuch as the graffiti database, Tayside hasrecorded a 4% fall in incidents of vandalism(332 fewer crimes). But given that suchoffences account for a quarter of all crime inthe region, it is an area that will continue toreceive attention in the future.
Drug abuse and trafficking remains a concernin Tayside, as it does throughout Scotland.While we have made a number of significantarrests within the timeframe of this report,intelligence indicates that heroin use is on theincrease once more. Accordingly, we willcontinue to work along with the ScottishDrug Enforcement Agency, other policeforces and agencies, with a ruthlessdetermination against those who seek topeddle illicit drugs within our communities.
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Chief Constable’s ForewordAN
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As in previous years police staff, have had toboth educate road users and enforcelegislation in respect driving and road safety.The onerous task of dealing with theaftermath of serious road traffic collisions hasalso been fulfilled dutifully and professionallyon too many occasions.
In partnership with our Tayside local authoritytriumvirate, and the Scottish Executive weintroduced the Tayside Safety CameraPartnership in 2003 to assist our efforts indissuading drivers from speeding and reducethe numbers of people who are killed orinjured on our roads.
Too many people have been killed as a resultof road traffic accidents in Tayside. Figures tellus there was a 5% reduction in the numbersof people killed or seriously injured on ourroads and a 30% reduction in child fatalitiesand serious injuries. All reductions arewelcome, but such statistics are always readin the knowledge that lives have been lostand irreversibly changed by the appallingimpact of a road accident.
Overall I commend the efforts of TaysidePolice staff and Special Constables over thepast year and the results that their hard workhas achieved.
2004-2005 will put many challenges in frontof us, with incidents and events of local,national and global significance testing ourresolve and our resources to the full.
The international threat of terrorism meansthat no police force can be complacent toevents that take place outwith its boundaries,or indeed its country. We must be vigilant,professional and as prepared as possible toward off any threat to our everyday life.
However, international pressures must notobstruct us in our drive to build on thesuccesses of the last 12 months. Ourperformance will count for little if it is notsustainable. We have the correct frameworkin place to ensure that our performance isnot only sustainable, but can be improvedupon year on year.
By managing the present we can sustain thefuture well being and prosperity of Tayside.
A Force to be Reckoned With
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A Uniform Approach
Tayside Police has adopted a policing stylethat places the emphasis on greaterinteraction between police officers and thelocal communities that they serve.
This uniform approach, supported bychanges to force internal structures andprocedures, allows greater communityengagement and enhanced visibility which, inturn, impacts on the feeling of safety withinthe community.
Increased focus on intelligence-led footpatrols, through application of the NationalIntelligence Model (NIM) coupled with anemphasis on a partnership approach toproblem-solving, enables the force to bestmeet the needs of the communitiesthroughout the area.
Recorded crime down 2.5%
Tayside Police can best impact on thecommunity’s perception of the level ofcrime, by being able to report a drop inreported incidents of crime and an increasein detection rates.
Recorded crime in Tayside during 2003 to2004 (April to March) was down 2.5% from30906 incidents to 30132.
The detection of crime in the region forthe past twelve months was 55.6%, aconsiderable improvement on 2002-2003’srecorded detection rate and confirms alonger-term trend of success in this area.
A small increase in serious violent crimewas reported during the period 2003-2004,with 12 additional incidents made known topolice over the course of the previous year.Over the longer term, however, significantreductions have been achieved with almost
100 fewer incidents than the comparablefigure five years ago. Detection rates for thiscrime type further increased by 3.1% year-on-year.
The number of drug offences increased from693 to 796 (up 14.9%) reflecting the focusedactivity against drug dealers. This effort alsohelped reduce the availability of drugs whichis a key force objective.
Results in respect of car crime,housebreaking and vandalism, that normallyinvolve criminal acts against individualmembers of the community, continue to beencouraging.
There were 1127 incidents of domestichousebreaking in 2003-2004, comparedwith 1430 incidents recorded in 2002-2003.This represents a 21.1% reduction or 303less houses broken into. Detection ratesincreased markedly to 37.7% from 26.6%last year.
Car crime dropped by 34.1% from 4440to 2924, with a substantial increase indetection rates from 21.4% to 31.9%.
It is pleasing to report 332 fewer instances ofvandalism, a 4% reduction. The 7930incidents reported in 2003-2004 comparesfavourably with the 7598 incidents reportedthe previous year and confirm the ongoingdowntrend. Detection rates improved by 8.5%.
The reduction in incidence, coupled withimproved detection rates, help lessen theinconvenience, anxiety and distress crimesagainst the individual cause.
These excellent results highlight thesignificant impact the new policing style ishaving upon crime levels and show thebenefit of dedicated staff working closely withpartners and local communities.
“A ‘UniformApproach’ to cracking crime in Tayside:
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TABLE OF STATUTORY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
CATEGORY 2002/2003 2003/2004 2003/2004 Target
Result Target Result Achieved
Crimes (Groups 1 to 5) % cleared up 42.4% 43% 55.6% YES
Serious Violent Crime ~ crimes made known 648 597 665 NO
Serious Violent Crime ~ % cleared up 90.4% 91% 92% YES
Domestic Housebreaking ~ crimes made known 1,430 1,359 1,127 YES
Domestic Housebreaking ~ % cleared up 26.6% 30% 37.7% YES
Drugs: Number of Seizures 1,455 1,579 1,782 YES
Drugs: Number of Crimes made known ~ 693 707 796 YESsupply, possession with intent etc.
Racist Crime ~ % cleared up 80.4% 82% 84.8% YES
Car Crime ~ crimes made known 4,440 4,218 2,924 YES
Car Crime ~ % cleared up 21.4% 22% 31.9% YES
Roads Policing Unit ~ a) Number of people killed/seriously injured 340 333 323 YES
Roads Policing Unit ~ b) Number of children killed/seriously injured 57 54 40 YES
Roads Policing Unit ~ c) Number of slight casualties 1,202 1,178 1,012 YES
Sickness Absence ~ % working time lost - a) Police Officers 5.3% 5% 4.9% YES
Sickness Absence ~ % working time lost - a) Support Staff 5.9% 5% 5.7% NO
Complaints ~ per 100 Employees 15.2 14 16.2 NO
“A measurement of our success:”
Key Performance Indicators:
Sustained performance improvementimpacted upon the results across theStatutory Performance Indicators andresulted in the detection rate for crimeGroups 1 to 5 improving by 13 percentagepoints on the 2002/2003 result.
Serious Violent Crime was one of threeareas where the Force target was not met.Whilst Serious Violent Crime accounts foronly 2% of total recorded crime, TaysidePolice takes this kind of crime very seriouslyindeed and this is reflected in the fact that92% of the crimes committed weredetected.
The number of houses broken into inTayside fell by 21% during 2003/2004when compared to the previous year.
The aggressive targeting of a small numberof criminals was most successful.
The Divisions and supporting departmentswithin Tayside Police worked very closelytogether to combat the activities of groupsof travelling criminals.
Trafficking of Drugs in Scotland continues tobe given a very high priority. Class ‘A’ drugsin particular are of paramount concern, notonly in Tayside but also with the ScottishDrug Enforcement Agency and otherexternal partners.
An improvement in the number of RacistCrimes detected reflects the continuingcommitment of Tayside Police to crimes ofthis nature.
Car Crime was given a high priorityacross the Force which resulted in 1500fewer crimes being recorded and animproved detection rate of 31.9% ~ a10.5 percentage point improvement onthe 21.4% recorded at the end of2002/2003. Overall, a reduction inroad casualties throughout Tayside wasencouraging.
A decrease in the number of days lostthrough sickness was recorded both forPolice Officers and Support Staff.Complaints against all Police staff rosefrom 15.2 in 2002/2003 to 16.2 in2003/2004.
Lead Constables
Tayside Police has introduced the post ofLead Constable.
All forces as part of a UK-wide police pay andconditions review, are required toimplement a Special Priority PaymentScheme for designated posts, withresponsibility for allocation devolved to local forces.
There are strict limits on both the overallfinancial resources that can be allocatedunder the Scheme and the number ofofficers who may receive a payment.
Front-line operational officers
In an innovative approach, Tayside Police hasaligned the scheme with achievement ofForce Objectives. The majority of theavailable finance for the scheme has beendirected at front-line, uniformed officerswho will perform the role of LeadConstable in each of the three geographicaldivisions of Tayside Police.
The position was created to aid thedevelopment of a career path forConstables, and to recognise the valuable jobthey perform within the community.
Setting the Standard
Lead Constables in Tayside have to beflexible in terms of where they will workwithin the force area and they will assumeresponsibility for actively promotingstandards of service. The officers themselveshave been chosen for a number of differentreasons including their track record, theirability to work using their own initiative, andfor having a good sickness absence record.They will also be vital to the development ofprobationary constables, projecting a positiveimage both inside the organisation andoutwardly to the general public. This year the force has appointed 109 LeadConstables with the intention being tointroduce more Lead Constable posts overthe course of the next two years.
Lead Constables
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“...‘Leading’ the wayin Tayside:”
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Sign of a Force to be recognisedAN
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Raising Visibility
Tayside Police is at the heart of a drive to raisevisibility of the Scottish Police Service andmake it easier for members of the public tofind police stations.
New Signs
Tayside Police, along with Fife Constabularyand Strathclyde Police were the first toimprove visibility at their premises following arecommendation in a report by HerMajesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.
All Scottish Forces will in time, follow the leadtaken by installing illuminated signs whichfeature the chequered design of the policehat.
A Uniform Approach
The signs will become instantly recognisableand present a uniform approach to lettingpeople know where they can find a policestation.
Forces across England have already showninterest in the ‘branding’ and details havebeen sent to 43 Constabularies. The RoadsAuthority in Scotland has already startedusing the logo on road signs.
Tayside Police is developing a more holisticapproach to Best Value which is designed todemonstrate our effectiveness in fulfilling ourcommitment to continuous improvementand providing user focused cost effectiveservices. This approach is not limited toService Reviews and the Force consider itimportant to capture other evidence of BestValue such as innovation in the developmentand use of IT systems, effective use of cashlimited revenue and capital resources,collaborative arrangements with otherforces, partnership arrangements with localauthorities and use of innovative schemessuch as IDEASty.
It is the Force’s intention to capture thisongoing work in each of these areas topresent to the Joint Police Board, public andinspecting bodies evidence of how the Forceis achieving Best Value, most likely in theformat of a Best Value Achievement Report.The priorities for the Force are reflected inthe Force Objectives and in 2004/2005 theForce will undertake one or two strategicreviews aligned to these objectives.
In addition to annual Policing Plans the Forceprepares a strategic plan covering a longerperiod. The current plan covers a four yearperiod which is due for renewal in 2005.
Greater emphasis has been placed onperformance management and over anumber of years the Force has embraced aperformance management culture. Thisculture is supported by the production of amonthly Performance Profile which is widelycirculated to managers and staff throughoutthe Force. The Performance Profile providesmonthly and cumulative performanceinformation, force targets and comparativeinformation for previous years. In addition itprovides commentary on the salientmessages emanating from the figures.
The performance figures are discussed at the Operational Commanders monthlymeetings, Force Executive meetings andperformance is a key topic at the ForceManagement days during which future years’objectives are discussed.
The holistic approach to Best Value adoptedby the Force places less emphasis on thenumber of Service Reviews carried out in theyear in favour of fewer strategic reviewswhich are aligned to the Force Objectives.Terms of reference for reviews therefore willbe designed with a view to assisting the Forcein meeting its objectives. The terms ofreference are agreed by the Best ValueGroup and then submitted to the ForceExecutive for approval.
On completion of a review, an action plan is produced, incorporating therecommendations, action(s) to be taken, aresponsible officer(s) and implementationdate(s). Once approved by the members ofthe Force Executive and Best Value SteeringGroup, these plans are subsequently
monitored on a regular basis by theInspection Team, Continuous ImprovementUnit and progress updates are provided toelected members. Whilst this demonstratesthe extent to which specific actions havebeen implemented and what they haveachieved, they do not identify overallimprovements in the service. Theintroduction of the aforementioned BestValue Annual Achievement Report will seekto bridge this gap, providing evidence ofsustainable development.
In previous years the Force has publishedinformation on its standard of performance inaccordance with the guidance issued by theAccounts Commission. The Forcewelcomes the opportunity to develop itsPublic Performance Reporting without suchconstraints and is currently considering amore suitable vehicle for publication ofperformance and best value information tothe public. It is likely that the publication willdraw from the Best Value AchievementReport.
“Seeking ContinuousImprovement”
Best Value
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In 2003, a self-assessment process wasinitiated using the European Foundation forQuality Management (EFQM) ExcellenceModel in order to further demonstrate ourcommitment to continuous improvement.
Workshops were held within each of theForce’s operational divisions andHeadquarters Crime Management. At thistime, strengths and areas for improvementwere identified by staff and an action plan wassubsequently produced relative to each area.These will be monitored for progress by stafffrom the Force’s Continuous ImprovementUnit.
In addition, staff working withinHeadquarters support functions completed aquestionnaire and the analysis of these resultsis almost complete. It will be theresponsibility of Heads of Departments toproduce an action plan, which seeks toaddress the areas for improvementidentified.
The Force has established an internalInspection Team whose remit is to co-ordinate and facilitate responses in respect ofHMIC Primary and Thematic Inspections,which involves assisting and advising divisionsand departments with preparing responsesto protocols and the collation of evidence.The team is also responsible for creating andmaintaining action plans which are producedin order to document progress of therecommendations made from the inspectionprocess. Progress against recommendationsis reported to the Force Executive on a six-monthly basis and can influence the internalaudit and inspection programme. It is thisprogramme that seeks to identifyimprovements to policy and processes.
This approach to responding to HMICinspections has been welcomed by seniorofficers and recognised by HMIC as goodpractice. It has also been adopted by otherScottish forces. The Force’s decision to haveone unit co-ordinating and managing theForce response has provided obviousbenefits, namely, a more co-ordinatedresponse, less time spent by individualsresponding to protocols and less duplicationof effort as evidence and responses areavailable for reference when responding tofuture inspections.
Best Value
Like many of our buildings of a 1970’svintage, Divisional Headquarters, Perth,required modernisation in order to enableour front line staff to meet our targets inrespect of reductions in crime and increasesin detection rates.
Little had changed in the way the enquiryoffice and custody area looked since thebuilding opened in 1975 and there was anurgent need to upgrade our cells and housesome interview rooms and a doctors roominto the same secure area.
A design team was put together in August2002, and work began in August 2003.
The new suite comprises a new charge barand waiting area, two juvenile detention cells,doctors room and shower area, male andfemale showers, kitchen, two interviewrooms, an interview room for visitors orsolicitors and a breath testing room.
In addition the existing cells have beenrefurbished and all have had an intercomsystem installed linked to the public enquiryoffice area. The whole area is monitored bya new digital CCTV system that allows thestaff to view all parts of the custody suite,outside the building and the front foyer. Thepublic enquiry office has been completelyrefurbished in corporate colours to includean interview room.
New equipment, storage and furniture havebrought the area into the 21st century and inline with the commitment we made in ourStandards of Service - “Police Stations easy toaccess, welcoming and where you will bedealt with promptly and efficiently”.
To complete the project the rear courtyardhas been transformed for direct vehicle entrywith a security gate and fence erected. Thisproject represents an investment of£500,000 in the front line in the war againstcrime.
This development followed hard on theheels of a £170,000 investment in a newpolice station in Broughty Ferry, Dundee.
A police station has been in operation inBroughty Ferry for almost 130 years andrecognition was made in 2000 that there wasa requirement to replace the existing buildingin order to continue to provide a readilyaccessible service to the community ofBroughty Ferry. The existing police office hadbeen altered and refurbished since 1962 buthad now become unsuitable to meet thedemands of modern policing.
Great emphasis was placed on the need forthe new site of a replacement police stationto be based at the heart of Broughty Ferryand a suitable site was identified directlyopposite the existing office in a buildingpreviously occupied by a firm of localsolicitors.
Refurbishment of the new site wasundertaken to provide a spacious policeoffice offering increased security comparedto the previous building.
A reception area, interview and meetingfacilities, were also incorporated within thenew office, thereby providing a better overallworking environment which is far moreaccommodating to members of the generalpublic who call at the police station.
Initially £600,000 had been set aside for thebuilding of a brand new police office inBroughty Ferry however the acquisition of apreviously occupied suitable building reducedthe outlay to £170,000 to carry out thenecessary refurbishment works.
This allowed finance to be made available tocarry out upgrading of facilities at other policeoffices throughout the Force area, whichwould not otherwise have been possible.Offices to benefit include Kinross,Blairgowrie and Forfar.
This year has seen a total of £1.2m spent onimprovements to various police stationsleading to improved security and theprovision of improved access for thedisabled.
Property Services
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“...Providing betterfacilities”
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“Crime Reduction and Detection inPartnership:”
Central Division:C
ENTR
AL D
IVIS
ION
2001
/02
2002
/03
2003
/04
Reco
rded
C
lear
ed U
p D
etec
tion
Rate
Reco
rded
C
lear
ed U
p D
etec
tion
Rate
Reco
rded
C
lear
ed U
p D
etec
tion
Rate
Hou
sebr
eaki
ng12
35
169
13.7
%
989
224
22.7
%
726
218
30.0
%
Car
Cri
me
3620
48
9 13
.5%
28
99
487
16.8
%
1847
49
9 27
.0%
Cri
mes
of V
iole
nce
316
222
70.3
%
296
259
87.5
%
347
299
86.2
%
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Dundee city centre’s extensive CCTVnetwork, combined with radio link andinformation sharing, is supported byexclusion notices in an effort to ban persistentcriminals from shops. “We are delighted to be working inpartnership with Tayside Police and largeand small retailers in this initiative. Thedata sharing protocol with the police is apioneering venture and I am sure it willhave an impact on criminal activity.”Councillor Joe Morrow, Dundee City Council
Central Division is committed to tackling allaspects of anti-social behaviour, which impacton the quality of life. Local officers, focusing on tackling littering bylate night revellers in the City Centre,regularly carry out litter initiatives. Aidedby CCTV, identified offenders are reportedto the Procurator Fiscal.Such initiatives form part of a wider strategybeing developed to adopt DUNCANpartnerships in areas concerning the citycentre night-time economy.CCTV also has applications for non-criminalincidents. The ‘Little and Lost’ campaign isa new part of the DUNCAN scheme,designed to help youngsters who findthemselves lost in Dundee’s city centre. Theinitiative, with its very distinctive “Duncan’sHere” logo, will encourage retailers todisplay stickers at till points, educating 8000of the city’s schoolchildren to look for thelogo if they find themselves lost anywhere inDundee city centre.“The Little and Lost campaign is animportant part of the ongoing activitieswhich are aimed at making Dundee citycentre a safer place.” Councillor Joe Morrow, Dundee City Council
Effective partnerships extend well beyondthe bounds of the police service and inrecognition of this officers in Central Divisionhave striven to develop positive outcomesfrom the investment made in workingtogether with individuals and organisations toreduce and detect crime.A flexible use of resources allows officersacross the Division to work as a team,supported by specialists in forensics, crimescene management, and technology, in a co-ordinated approach to problem solving,unconstrained by artificial boundaries.The Division has focused on continuousimprovement supported by a raft ofperformance management information. Thisis used to drive up standards, identifyopportunities to develop staff skills, targetrepeat offending and make sure that everypossible opportunity to detect crime ispursued. Intelligence and the tasking ofofficers plays a key part in ensuring that crimeand anti-social behaviour is tackled quicklyand effectively, thereby reducing its impact onthe community we serve.The effectiveness of this strategy is wellevidenced by:• 1052 less reported incidents of car crime,
a 36% reduction, with detections up byover 10%.
• Domestic housebreaking decreased byover 26%, 263 less reported incidents,with detections up by over 7.3%.
• There were 127 less acts of vandalismwith detections up by 11%.
DUN.C.A.N.The DUN.C.A.N. (DUNdee Co-ordinatedAnticrime Network) is a pioneering initiativein association with our City Centrestakeholder partners including LocalAuthority departments, retailers, the licensedtrade and other statutory and voluntarybodies.
Chief Superintendent Ian Alexander, Divisional Commander
Central Division:
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A Local SolutionEngaging with local communities in the Mid-Craigie, Douglas, Fintry and Whitfield areasrevealed concerns regarding the misuse ofmotorcycles by local youths.Constable Billy Rattray, a local communityliaison officer, developed an intelligence-ledaction plan to target problem areas.Resources drawn from the Road PolicingUnit and Patrol Support Group assisted localofficers with identification of the offenders,aided by use of mobile CCTV.This ongoing initiative follows a similar, highlysuccessful action plan implemented last yearwhich resulted in 13 people arrested orreported for relevant offences, 8motorcycles seized and a further 2 stolenmotorcycles recovered.“I am delighted that local residents arenow recognising that Tayside Police havedone a great job with a problem that hasdistressed them for a long time. The issueof motorbikes was noted at theHappyhillock/Midmill Tenants andResidents Association April 2004 meeting,with members agreeing that there are veryfew motorbikes around at the moment.Long may it last.”Christina Roberts, Local Councillor
Community IntelligenceA Community Intelligence Unit is currentlybeing created to provide a focal point forinformation sharing and intelligence ledactivity by Central Division and our DundeeCity Council partners in order to tackle anti-social behaviour. Co-location with CrimeManagement Division at Police Headquartersensures immediate access to intelligenceproducts and relevant information. The Unitwill be a powerful tool to aid the Division’songoing commitment to address anti-socialbehaviour exhibited by groups of youths onthe streets.
“The Operation Safer Travel initiative hasproven to be a very successful scheme,enabling us to tackle any problems whichmay arise on the buses”Phil Smith, Operations Manager, Travel Dundee
Mobile successCentral Division continually strives to identifyareas where technological advancement canhave a real impact on policing objectives.A pilot initiative involving the use of mobilecamera phone technology allows officers tophotograph individual incidents of graffiti,which can then be e-mailed direct from thescene to a common database. Images canthen be cross-referenced with others housedon the database so that a culprit can becharged for what in effect amounts to serialvandalism. Success was highlighted with anindividual convicted in relation to over thirtyseparate acts of vandalism.
Brakes applied to phone useIn the early hours Monday 1st December2003 a female motorist in Dundee becamethe first person in Great Britain to be chargedunder new legislation concerning the use ofhand-held mobile phones whilst driving.Detective Constables Lesslie and Rileyspotted the woman shortly after 0200 GMT– just two hours after the ban came intoforce.
Sergeant Mark Duncan, in the Maryfieldsection, has co-ordinated a joined upapproach with outreach youth workers in theStobswell and Hilltown areas to deal withyouth issues. The approach allowed officersto direct youth workers to the sectionproblem areas where the workers were ableto provide advice on drink, drugs and sexualhealth as well as encouragement to join clubsor take part in diversion activities. This approach satisfies the youth groupagendas by promoting safer and sensiblebehaviours and contributing to reducing thenumbers of reported incidents of youthscausing annoyance.
Operation Safer TravelOperation Safer Travel is a joint initiativedesigned to make travelling on local buses asafer experience. Increased informationsharing and co-operation aims to detect andreduce crime and anti-social behaviour onbuses principally by encouraging members ofthe public to report any incidents theywitness.Part of the initiative includes bus driversissuing cards on which passengers can writethe date, time and the number of the busthey were travelling on. The printing of anti-crime messages on these tickets is alsohelping police track down young vandals. Coupled with CCTV, the initiatives are havinga degree of success. After a stone wasthrown through a bus window, one motherreturned her six-year-old son to the scene totell the surprised driver the latter wasresponsible. The cost of the window wasdeducted from the boy’s pocket money.Police also investigated a report of a pupilsetting fire to a bus seat. The pupil wascharged with the offence and his parents paidfor the damage.
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Maintaining meaningful contact with thecommunities in Angus is critical to effectiveservice delivery tailored to meet localdemands. Officers have built on positiveliaison by regularly attending the range ofcommunity group meetings includingCommunity Council meetings and AreaForums.
Emphasis has also been placed onmaintaining constructive liaison with electedrepresentatives and other communityleaders in an effort to learn promptly ofproblems and concerns in order that asatisfactory policing solution can bedeveloped.
“I would like to recognise the supportTayside Police gives to BrechinCommunity Council by attending ourmonthly meetings. This allows communitycouncillors to pass on the problems andconcerns of the community and receiveregular updates on local issues.”Anne Mitchell, Chairperson, Brechin Community Council
In addition to providing core policingresponses to some 38,000 incidentsattended, activity was prioritised againsthousebreaking and autocrime, resulting inachieved reductions of 28% and 24%respectively in these crime types.
Conscious of the community viewsexpressed about vandalism, prioritised effortsalso led to a welcome 9.6% increase in thedetection rate. A joint anti-vandalism strategydeveloped in partnership with Angus Councilemphasises the ongoing commitment totackle this offence.
A team effort
In March 2003, residents of GrahamCrescent, Forfar approached Inspector SuzieMertes at the Forfar Community Councilmeeting to express concern regarding anti-
social behaviour of a minority of theresidents. Regular monthly meetingsfollowed with residents encouraged toreport all incidents of anti-social behaviourand racism to the police to maximiseeffectiveness of targeted high profilepatrolling.
“Graham Crescent has been transformedfrom an anti-social outcast into anacceptable place to live. The turnaroundhas been down to the commitment andhard work of the residents. This would nothave been possible with the unfailingsupport of the police, the local councillorand the Community Education workers.”Arlene Tait, Chairperson, Graham Crescent and District Residents Association
An Innovative Approach
The V.I.P. Speakeasy Informer Application is apioneering computerised communicationssystem that circulates messages about specificincidents and broadcasts early warning alertsregarding shoplifters, suspicious vehicles,bogus callers, break-ins etc. in the locality.General crime prevention advice can also becirculated via the system, which also enablesthe local Community Liaison Officer tocommunicate directly with local residentsand businesses whose telephone numbershave been ‘clustered’ so that messages canbe widely broadcast or targeted at a specificgroup.
In a recent incident, officers quickly detainedthe suspect in a robbery following circulationof his description to local filling stationemployees via the Informer System. In thiscase the suspect came onto a forecourtshortly after staff had received the policelookout request.
“I think it has enhanced thecommunication between the Police andthe Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators.
“Effective teamwork”
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Hou
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9 59
29
.7%
18
0 67
37
.2%
12
9 63
48
.8%
Car
Cri
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775
233
30.1
%
590
172
29.2
%
448
162
36.2
%
Cri
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of V
iole
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118
108
91.5
%
107
98
91.6
%
120
114
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Not only are we receiving informationquickly, but also co-ordinators are notifiedalmost simultaneously. I believe by usingthis method we can assist the Police byhelping them trace people and deter orprevent crime.” Mrs Sylvia O’Connor, ChairpersonBrechin Neighbourhood Watch
Active engagement
Community Liaison Officers engage with allsections of the community, developing linksthat ultimately provide an opportunity totune the policing requirement to the needs ofeach of the various groups. Constable JohnThornton, who recently retired from theservice, promoted good citizenship amongstthe young and ensuring the vulnerable weregiven suitable advice. Initiatives included aCrime Prevention seminar, a fireworks salesinitiative and an anti drugs fashion show atMonifieth High School. Presentation of highvisibility armbands and badges to localschools were part of the very successful ‘besafe be seen’ campaign aimed at makingnewspaper delivery boys and girls morevisible when using the roads. This local roadsafety effort contributed to the overalldivisional performance in this important area,which recorded a 12% reduction in thenumber of road collision fatalities and seriousinjuries.
Constable Thornton was also congratulatedfor his work in the ‘Safe as Houses’ initiative,in conjunction with Angus CommunityPlanning partners, involving visiting older,more vulnerable members of the communitygiving advice regarding home security.
“Constable Thornton has carried out over160 crime prevention surveys specially forSafe as Houses and, through his talks andpromotion of the initiative, informedmany more people”.Judith Leslie, Angus Care and Repair
A ‘Driving Ambition’
‘Driving Ambition – Angus’ is a driverawareness programme for sixth year pupilsdesigned to complement enforcementactivity against anti-social driving in Angustowns. Organised by School Liaison OfficersConstables Robert Christie and PeterFugaccia, the scheme links in with other workongoing under the Angus CommunityPlanning Partnership banner and includesparticipation by local driving instructors.
The programme seeks to address complaintsabout inconsiderate and anti-social driving.Students are made aware of communityconcerns and are encouraged to learn theimportance of adopting a safe and positivedriving attitude.
“Our senior pupils enjoyed an informative,and in most cases a ‘hands – on’experience, courtesy of the agenciesinvolved. This was not only a rewardingprogramme, our pupils were also given aninsight into the devastating effects ofinconsiderate and careless driving….. Adefinite to include in your senior schoolprogramme.”Margaret Ford – PT Guidance, Monifieth High School
Alert and Effective - After Dark
Analysis carried out by divisional crimeanalysts Jenny Barton and Alison Shepherdindicated an increased threat in specific areasfrom housebreakers. Traditionally, domestichousebreaking increases when Britishsummer time ends and nights get longer.Detective Inspector Gordon Cryle and ajoint operation involving beat officers, roadpolicing officers and Headquarters-basedsupport units tackled the problem in theCarnoustie/Monifieth Section. Prior to ‘clockschanging’ an awareness raising campaign wascommenced in the residential areas,Monifieth especially. Public support was
enlisted to report suspicious activity and topay particular attention to vehicle registrationnumbers and descriptions of any suspiciouspersons. The preventative measures weresupported by high visibility policing andtargeting of known active criminals. Recentassessment indicates that instances ofhousebreaking had reduced by 25% incomparison to the previous year.
Supporting Angus Drugs and AlcoholAction Plan
As part of the commitment to delivering onthe Angus Drugs and Alcohol Action Plan, adedicated team of officers was given a specificremit to tackle drug related crime.
The intelligence-led operation resulted in 46warrants being craved and 27 traffickingoffences reported to the Procurator Fiscalover a 4 month period. In total, 58 peoplewere arrested and 109 drug cases wererecorded.
In response to community concerns aboutunder-age drinking, Operation Dry-Up wasinitiated during the summer. Officers in eachof the communities, including ConstableSusan Dyker, worked to identify ‘drinkingdens’, with the public assisting by telephoningwith relevant information. Over 50 gallons ofalcohol was confiscated.
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The territory covered by staff working inWestern Division is by far the largest of the 3operational areas of the force. It extendsfrom Invergowrie in the east to KinlochRannoch in the west and from Milnathort inthe south to the Drumochter Pass in thenorth.
Working with the community in order toidentify local solutions to local problems hasdelivered positive results in the level ofrecorded and detected crime, for example:
• Serious assaults down by over 30%
• Car crime down 34% with detections upby 12.4%
• Break-ins to motor vehicles down 44%with detection rates up by almost 15%
Utilising the principles of the NationalIntelligence Model, a range of tactics coveringboth pro-active prevention measures andeffective enforcement action has ensuredthat the Perth and Kinross area remains oneof the safest areas in Scotland in which toreside, work or visit.
Local knowledge prevails
One of the benefits of the policing styleadopted by the force is the level ofknowledge and trust that builds up betweena community and the local police officer.
On the evening of 26 May 2003 a series ofthefts and acts of vandalism took place inAberfeldy. Suspicion fell on a number of localindividuals who had been responsible forsimilar crimes in the area previously.
Constable Alan Murray’s local knowledge ledto the identification of a number of witnessesand a number of further crimes and offencesthat, until then, had gone unreported.Constable Murray used his ability, trainingand experience as the local officer topersuade key individuals to provide him withthe necessary evidence.
This resulted in the arrest of two people, thedetection of 18 crimes and the recovery of asubstantial amount of stolen property.
Attention to duty
The need for police officers to be continuallyalert to the activities of the criminal fraternitycannot be overstated. It is imperativetherefore that staff respond appropriately tocircumstances that give cause for suspicion.
In June 2003, Constable David Summerswas carrying out an early morning patrol inJeanfield Road, Perth, in response to anumber of thefts reported in the area.
Constable Summers observed andapproached a well-known active localcriminal who subsequently ran off. He wastraced shortly after and found to be inpossession of property stolen during twosneak-in thefts and a housebreaking to threeproperties in the area.
The male was subsequently charged with 14crimes of dishonesty.
Protection of the environment
It is estimated that around 400 pairs ofgolden eagles and 150 pairs of ospreys existin Scotland, a substantial proportion of whichcan be found in Highland Perthshire. Bothspecies are under threat from criminals whovisit the area to steal the eggs of these birds,adding to illegal collections that they mayhave at home.
In the spring of 2003, Sergeant John Watsonand Constable Elaine Petrie, stationed atPitlochry, devised a strategy intended todeter the commission of such crimes.Visiting households near to nest sites, givingadvice and guidance to the occupantsregarding suspicious persons or vehicles inthe area, raised awareness of the problem.
“Policing with the community”
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261
9034
.5%
272
144
52.9
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Car
Cri
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224
22.6
%
951
292
30.7
%
629
271
43.1
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115
82.1
%
145
119
82.1
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113
106
93.8
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Chief Superintendent Bob Main,Divisional Commander
This was supplemented through local mediaexposure and liaison with local hotels, postalworkers, countryside rangers and forestryand estate workers.
These preventative measures, coupled withnumerous vehicle and foot patrols in themost vulnerable areas, raised local awarenessthat resulted in more information andassistance being received than in previousyears. It was reassuring to note that therewere no reports of eggs being removed fromlocal nests during the breeding season.
“It is highly innovative that police adopt astrategy that not only is intended tofrighten off egg thieves but also enlists theco-operation of those living and working inthe community to do so as well. Coupledwith the “Operation Easter” posters,highly visible in the area, it did not surpriseme that 2003 was a year in which noosprey nests in Tayside were robbed.”Uwe Stoneman, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Perth and Kinross
Alternatives for young people
The issue of young people and theirbehaviour within society continues to be thesubject of considerable debate. The need forthe police service to interact with thisparticular social group on a basis beyondenforcement action has long beenrecognised. Following the acclaimed successof the “Thrillseekers” initiative in theBlairgowrie area, local community officers inother parts of the Division were keen to seeif the model could be of benefit in their ownlocal areas.
Constable Brian Easton, Crieff, soughtpermission to instigate a programme ofdiversionary activity in order to not onlytackle the immediate problem but provide alonger-term solution.
In January 2004 Constable Eastoncommenced a 6 month communityprogramme in conjunction with otherpartner agencies and groups including CrieffHigh School, Strathearn Recreation Centreand the locally based Logos Christian Centre.The programme is further supported byinput from the MacRobert Centre in Stirlingtogether with staff from Perth and KinrossCouncil’s Education and Children’s Service.
To date up to 30 children from the local HighSchool have attended the Friday eveningsessions held at the Recreation Centre,taking part in various events such as dance,aerobics, yoga and karaoke.
“Over the last year it is clear that thePolice have made a concerted effort totackle the long-standing youth problems inthe town and this is a fine example of thepreventative approach they are taking withlocal youngsters. They are to becommended for taking the lead in thisapproach.”Bob Ferguson, Chairperson, Crieff Community Council
Road Policing
The Division is a thoroughfare for many ofthe arterial routes to the north of Scotland.The Road Policing Unit undertakes highvisibility patrols on these routes to reduceroad casualties by influencing driverbehaviour.
A unit dedicated to policing the A9 north ofPerth was introduced in 2003 in response tothe increasing number of serious and fatalcollisions occurring along that stretch of road.The crews liaise with local communities andbusinesses adjoining the route and tackleconcerns that are expressed.
The Road Policing Unit also provides avaluable input to the A9 Safety Group thatcomprises representatives of Tayside Police,Scottish Executive, BEAR Scotland and Perth& Kinross Council. Through this positiveaction we have seen a reduction in thenumber of casualties across this stretch ofroad.
In July 2003, the Colin McRae GHI ForestStages Rally was held in Perth and Aberfeldy.Inspector Kenneth Brown and ConstableAileen Walker, Road Policing Unit, receivedthe ‘Spirit of the Rally’ trophy, which isgenerally awarded to a rally crew who bestportray the positive image of the event interms of sportsmanship and assistance toeveryone involved including organisers,competitors and spectators.
“I would suggest this is a rare occurrenceand great credit must be given to thepolicing tactics on the day whereby therally organisers chose to make such apresentation. Similarly, I was involved withthe rally at both locations and can testify tothe excellent working relationshipbetween Tayside Police and Rallypersonnel.”Provost Bob Scott, Perth and Kinross Council
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Headquarters Crime Management
Headquarters Crime Management isresponsible for co-ordinating the Forceresponse to Crime and Community Safetyissues. It directs and resources theinvestigation into cross border and majorcrime, and provides the policy andprocedural framework for the managementand investigation of crime across the forcearea.
Intelligence-Led Policing
The Force Intelligence Bureau incorporates anumber of different disciplines designed toidentify and develop targets for operationalofficers. The Unit investigates a broadspectrum of criminality from terrorism tovehicle crime and road accident investigationby maintaining close links to Divisions and awide variety of national and internationalbodies. Tayside Police has invested heavily innew techniques and technology to supportanalysis, informant handling and financialinvestigation to ensure that all availableintelligence is accurately assessed anddisseminated to those who need it. Accurateintelligence assessment identifies prioritiesand the methods that are most likely to bringsuccess in addressing them.
Computer Examination
The Computer Examination and TechnicalSupport Unit was created as a full time Unitin April 2003 following Operation Ore, anational operation targeting paedophilia.
The Unit carries out forensic examination ofseized computer components to retrieveevidence. This can be carried out at veryshort notice if circumstances dictate.
Computers can be examined to provideadditional evidence and information in alltypes of enquiry, including persons suspected
“Identifying and targeting trends”
HQ Crime ManagementAN
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of having indecent images of child abuse,drug dealing, fraud, terrorism offences andmissing persons enquiries.
Many of the Operation Ore cases have nowbeen through the Court system. Perhaps themost notable case is that of a Tayside manwho was found in possession of 403,000indecent images and 15,000 indecent videoclips. This represents the largest volume ofmaterial ever recovered in Scotland.
Since formation, the Unit has carried out 113computer examinations.
Mobile Telephone Examination
The Unit has the capability to carry outexamination of mobile telephones and SIMcards for evidential purposes.
Since the Unit was created they havereceived over 200 requests for mobiletelephone examination, which has mainlybeen in relation to drug dealing activity.
Other examples are an incident where it wassuspected that a motorist had been using hismobile telephone when he crashed hisvehicle and died, and a case of Abduction.
Recording Equipment
The Unit is also responsible for thedeployment of recording equipment for usein volume crime or intelligence gatheringsituations. All Divisions and Departments areencouraged to make use of the equipmentand expertise.
Targeting proceeds
The Financial Intelligence Unit carries outfinancial investigations aimed at identifyingand seizing the assets of criminals involved indrug trafficking and other serious andorganised crime. It works closely with thefinancial sector to identify the proceeds ofcrime and money laundering activity.
There are 11 cases currently pending andinvolve assets of over £1.5 million.
To date, there have been 2 cash seizurestotalling £25,975 under the Proceeds ofCrime legislation, both of which are stillpending.
The Unit can also assist in tracing vulnerableor long term Missing Persons throughfinancial intelligence work.
Identification Branch (I.B.)
Tayside Police Identification Branch providesthe first line of forensic support toinvestigations in the region. This takes theform of scene examination and evidencegathering at crime scenes as well as scenephotography and specialist functions.
In addition, forensic scientists based withinthe Branch carry out scientific comparison offootprints, documents, firearms, tool-marks,chemical development and physical fitcomparisons on recovered material, serviceswhich they undertake on behalf of Tayside,Fife and Central Scotland Police Forces, aswell as other government organisations.
The Branch provides specialist support atmajor incident scenes and currently have awell developed Chemical, Biological,Radioactive and Nuclear (CBRN) Cadrewho regularly exercise their response tochemical or biological incidents. Some ofthe innovative techniques in evidencerecovery were devised by the team whopractice their skills with colleagues fromneighbouring Police forces in a mutual-aidarrangement.
With a close working relationship withDundee’s Abertay University, the Branchsupports their forensic courses by offeringsecondments to students, who can addpractical experience to their academic study.During 2004, 4 students will shadow Scenes
of Crime Officers (SOCO’s) attending allincidents and gaining valuable experience inscene management, fingerprint and DNArecovery techniques and evidence recoveryand photography. The job is a physicallydemanding one involving powers ofconcentration and attention to detail,however the ‘hands on‘ experience they willgain is invaluable.
Photography remains the primary recordingmedium in the IB and the Force is leading theway in the evolution to digital images.Although commercially available for manyyears the use of digital pictures in legalproceedings in Scotland is still at an earlystage. Valid concerns over the possiblemanipulation of data required to beaddressed before digital imaging could resistchallenge but now protocols are in placewhich ensure the integrity of images. Withinthe next few years the use of digitalphotography in Scottish criminal cases willbecome commonplace.
The next few years will bring great change tothe forensic science services in Scotland.Advances in DNA technology which wereunthinkable only a few years ago are nowreality and the Branch are adaptingprocedures and techniques to meet newbusiness requirements. In fingerprint sciencetoo, the developments have been significant.A new technique in fingerprint recoveryrecently revealed fingerprints on adhesivetape from a serious undetected crime almost20 years ago, indicating that while the futureholds much promise, the past has not beenoverlooked.
HQ Crime Management
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Police Forensic Science Laboratory, Dundee
Based at Police Headquarters, Dundee, thePolice Forensic Science Laboratory Dundee(PFSLD) has acquired a reputation forexcellence. It provides forensic scienceservices to Tayside, Fife and Central Scotlandpolice forces, and to the local procuratorsfiscal, and is a supplier to all Scottish Forcesthrough the DNA database.
Continued growth
During 2003-4 the Police Forensic ScienceLaboratory Dundee continued to grow anddevelop. In addition to retaining accreditationfor the existing services, new ground wasbroken in that the United KingdomAccreditation Service, a demonstration ofhigh quality, accredited three new services.The new services are:
• paint examination using microscopy andFTIR
• blood pattern analysis, conducted withinthe laboratory, on clothing and other itemsreceived by the Laboratory to includeopinion and interpretation
• DNA profiling, paternity testing and bodyidentification
The PFSLD continued to play a full part in theCommon Police Service Forensic ScienceReview and, recognising the limitationsplaced by the existing accommodation,submitted an Outline Business Case to theScottish Executive for a new build laboratory.
Demand for services
In terms of demand the Biology Sectionanalysed 13,000 productions, the ChemistrySection 5,000 productions and the DNADatabase processed 39,000 criminal justicesamples.
Notable Successes
• Blood pattern interpretation by a forensicbiologist at the scene of a fatal stabbing inDundee greatly assisted the subsequentenquiry. Furthermore, a graphical displayof the blood patterns provided acomprehensive and accurate account ofwhat likely occurred at the time of thestabbing and was later corroborated byeye witnesses.
• A thief who talked her way into the houseof an elderly male in Perth and stole a sumof money was traced via a profileestablished from a rim of a cup from whichshe had drank.
• A bottle was smashed through the sunroofof a vehicle in Dundee. The neck of thebottle was recovered from the front seat.Forensic examination established a DNAprofile that matched a person whensearched against the database.
Further work is undertaken relating to theelimination of suspects by the use of DNA,saving significant investigative hours andallowing enquiry officers to focus in otherdirections.
“Solutions through science”
Police Forensic Science Laboratory DundeeAN
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Strategic Direction
During 2003, a new IS/IT Strategy Groupwas established under the chairmanship ofthe Deputy Chief Constable. This team isensuring that Communications and IT havethe capabilities needed to support forceobjectives, with careful attention being givento setting priorities consistent with the manypolicing aims and the available resources.
Strategies have been developed coveringbusiness applications, computer platformsand networks. A force radio strategy is beingestablished with Airwave, the new digitalcommunications system being adopted byForces throughout the United Kingdom, asthe centrepiece.
Replacement of legacy equipment with new,fit-for-purpose systems is key in maintainingan effective force Communications and ITinfrastructure.
All this work translates into an extensiveCommunications and IT work programmeover the short to medium-term.
Service Delivery
With over 700 desktop users, forcecustomer demand for IT products andservices remains high. Alongside this,continuous improvement efforts arecommitted to maintaining a high level ofservice quality and providing an ever moreresponsive service when issues arise.
The Force radio communications system isvital for successful policing. RadioWorkshops remain diligent in ensuring thatpersonal radios, vehicle radios and theground-based network are maintained ingood working order.
Application Development
The SCOPE Human Resources system,initially developed in-house for TaysidePolice, is now being deployed to the wholeof the Scottish Police Service. StrathclydePolice is already enjoying major businessbenefits from the new system.
The SMART case management system,designed and built in-house, allows theautomatic and timely transfer of informationto the Procurator Fiscal. This technologysolution has brought major benefits to thebusiness processes of the Criminal JusticeSystem.
New application development is makingextensive use of Open Source technologies,aligning closely with a wider trend towardsOpen Source across the whole of the PublicSector, predicated on securing Best Value.
Virtual Contact Centre
Tayside Police has a commitment to allowaccess to services using the latest technology.
The Virtual Contact Centre will be the singlepoint of contact in Tayside for all non-emergency enquiries. Access to improvedand fully integrated IT systems will allow theForce to provide a customer-centredapproach and empower staff with the toolsto ensure local queries can be dealt with at alocal level and achieve first call resolution.
The project has placed major demands onthe team throughout the year. New Voice-over-IP telephony services and improved calllogging are now in place and providing real,tangible benefits. New radio switches arebeing implemented both in the Perth andDundee Control Rooms, laying thefoundations for the Contact Centre going livelater in 2004.
Airwave Project
Airwave is a new digital, mobile radiocommunications network designed toprovide a secure, powerful and flexiblecommunications network.
The network offers the potential of greatlyenhanced communications system that willallow the Force to deliver a more effectiveservice to the community.
Digital voice quality brings increased messageclarity and blocks out background noise suchas sirens and traffic. Coupled with theintroduction of data and imagecommunications, the benefits to corepolicing are significant.
The Airwave system has a ‘ready for service’date of February 2005. Early preparationsare underway to ensure the smoothintroduction of this eagerly awaited systeminto the force.
“Application of new ideas:”
Communications and Information Technology
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IDEAS t.y.
The Force Suggestion Scheme aims toencourage all members of staff to offerinnovative ideas to enhance both internalprocesses and service delivery to thecommunity.
In October 2002, the scheme was revised toencourage greater staff participation, withfinancial rewards introduced for suggestionsof particular note.
Inspirational Success
Over the course of the year:
• 185 entries were submitted, an increase of5.7% from the previous year
• 17 ideas were adopted by the force, 12 ofwhich qualified for a financial reward
Ideas adopted this year include:
Braille ID Cards
Tayside Police recognises the need to ensureour services are sensitive to the individualneeds of all members of the community.
Officers have recently been issued with aBraille ID verification card to assist visuallyimpaired and blind members of ourcommunities. The card will have TaysidePolice and a special contact telephonenumber written in Braille and large print thatwill assist people who may be visuallyimpaired or blind to call in order to check thecredentials of the officers attending.
Custody Care
A simple ethnic and cultural awarenessguidance note will be introduced for use incustody areas should a minority ethnic bearrested and detained. It is anticipated that inthe future these information sheets will beheld on the new force Intranet.
The note will ensure accurate and positiveguidance to custody staff in respect ofcustoms and practices of minority ethnicprisoners.
Disposable Resuscitator
The existing Laerdal Face Shields, issued forundertaking mouth to mouth resuscitation,will be replaced with non-return valveresuscitators.
The idea, which was thoroughly researchedand costed by the staff member prior tosubmission, will reduce infection risk whileresulting in significant cost savings to theforce. The idea is currently being progressedwith the issue of the device to officersexpected in the near future.
IDEAS t.y. continues to build on its initialsuccess and allows the force to harnessinnovation generated from all areas of theorganisation.
“Encouraging innovation:”
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2003/04
Ideas Submitted 185
Ideas Adopted 17
Awards - Monetary 8 x £25, 4 x £50
Awards - Letter of Achievements 5
Officer Awards 12
Support Staff Awards 5
New Appraisal System
In 2003 Tayside Police introduced a newappraisal reporting process with the aims of
• Aligning appraisal with Force objectives;
• Introducing a common format for allmembers of staff;
• Reducing the bureaucratic burden onsupervisors.
The revised procedures were successful inachieving these aims and the process hasbeen implemented and refined during 2004.
Quite literally a ‘paperless’ appraisal system,all reports are raised and managed bySCOPE, our Human Resources database.
Appraisals are completed electronicallybetween the member of staff and thesupervisor. The system
initiates email reminders and creates a logwhich provides fail-safe tracking, ensuringthat all reports are managed and accountedfor.
Feedback from staff has been very positive,indicating a significant improvement onprevious procedures and overall a moreworthwhile system.
The enhanced productivity, a direct result ofthe new system,
Is resulting in an estimated 250 working dayssaved throughout the Force.
Line Manager Training
In recognition of a need to equip newlypromoted supervisors with additional skillsand abilities and also to outline the standardsexpected, not only of themselves but also ofthe staff they supervise, a modular trainingcourse has been devised by the StaffDevelopment Unit.
Phase one of this training for Sergeants hasbeen delivered and included sectionresponsibilities, emergency planning,operational incidents, crime prevention anddetection. Phase two includes anexamination of shift briefing, absencemanagement, dealing with complaints againstthe police, investigation of crime, theNational Intelligence Model and a tabletopexercise in relation to Missing Persons.
Custody Care Training
Following completion of a Best Value Reviewof Custody Care, training in prisoner care hasbeen reassessed and a new trainingprogramme agreed. A series of one daytraining courses took place during November2003 and consisted of three courses beingrun each day, on a 24 hour basis (early, lateand nightshift) with Public Enquiry Staff andcustody officers attending.
Occupational Health
In September 2003, the Force appointedCIGNA Healthcare as an external providerfor occupational health services.
Employees have access to an on-siteoccupational health nurse, occupationalhealth physicians and also a support networkof nurses at CIGNA headquarters inGreenock.
The service allows us to fast-track support forspecific types of illness and ensure staff areoffered appropriate care and advice as soonas possible, enabling staff to resume fullfitness at an early stage and having a positiveimpact in relation to sickness absence.
CIGNA will also be undertaking healthpromotion activities which was launchedwith ‘Fit for Life’ events in each of theDivisions.
Staff seeking health and fitness informationcan again access the CIGNA helpline, whichis staffed by qualified personnel.
Northern Police Convalescent Home
As part of an ongoing commitment to reducethe amount of working days lost throughsickness absence, use is made of theNorthern Police Convalescent Homelocated at Auchterarder, Perthshire.
The aim of the home, funded almost entirelyfrom serving officers, is to provide rest,convalescence and rehabilitation to ill orinjured Police Officers.
During 2003 forty-six Tayside Police officersattended at the home, of which nineteenattended on a residential basis with theremainder on a day-care basis.
Gender Issues
Within Tayside Police, a Women’sDevelopment Forum has been established totake forward the Gender Agenda locally.The forum has developed an informationleaflet for staff and is planning to hold a seriesof open evenings as networkingopportunities for women. Further activitiesare planned for the future.
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Human Resources and Staff Development
“Training and CareerDevelopment:”
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Commitment to equality
Tayside Police is committed to the principleof mainstreaming equality in all aspects ofemployment and service delivery. Theassessment and consultation processescurrently used help to establish equality at theheart of all new strategies/policies and relatedguidance. Well established partnerships andnetworks with other Scottish police forces,local authorities, NHS Trust, and otheremergency services are used to alloweffective sharing of information and bestpractice.
Lay Advisory Group
The Tayside Police Lay Advisory Group has abroad membership that includesrepresentations from black and minorityethnic (BME) organisations and communities,police officers and support staff. Membershiphas broadened over the last year and nowincludes members from the internationalstudent population from the area’s twouniversities, enabling consultation with awider age range.
This internal / external partnership providesvaluable input and currently helps toinfluence the development, delivery andmonitoring of Force policies, practices andprocedures, and allows for a person-centredapproach to service provision.
In February 2004, members of the LayAdvisory Group, the Convener and ViceConveners of the Tayside Joint Police Boardand representatives from the various faithcommunities of Tayside were invited to visitthe Force Mortuary to identify areas forimprovement. This initiative has resulted in anumber of recommendations being madewhich will be considered for adoption.
R.I.M.A.P.
Tayside Police is one of a number of agenciesrepresented on Racist Incident Multi AgencyPanels (RIMAP), which are designed to tackleracist incidents occuring in Divisions.
RIMAP’s aim is to improve the effectivenessof inter-agency working to support victims ofracism and to improve the monitoring andanalysis of racist incidents in the city. It alsoprovides a platform for a multi-agencyapproach towards such areas as proactivesupport for individuals within the localcommunity who have experienced racistcrime.
“Commitment to equality”
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Special Constabulary
Tayside Police acknowledges the high valueof service provided by Special Constableswho give up their personal time to workalongside full time colleagues.
Welcome Volunteers
During the past year, communitiesthroughout Tayside have been well served bythe commitment and enthusiasm of SpecialConstables providing invaluable support toregular officers by assisting with the generalpolicing of events including the Dunhill GolfTournament and local Highland Games inAngus.
In addition to augmenting regular officers atweekends, assisting to deal with anti-socialbehaviour and routine policing duties, duringfrequent sittings of the High Court in Forfar anumber of Special Constable have taken on aCourt policing role. This released regularofficers to concentrate on dealing with coreoperational matters in the variouscommunities.
Pilot Scheme Implemented
It is essential that we acknowledge thepersonal commitment of the SpecialConstable.
Tayside Police is implementing a pilotscheme, run in conjunction with GrampianPolice and the Scottish Executive, wherebySpecial Constables will be provided with afinancial reward in recognition of theirservices to the scheme.
The scheme will consist of 45 tours of dutyper year each consisting of a period of at least4 hours. This will include 30 tours coveringpeak demand times and specific tours, linkedwith tackling anti-social behaviour hotspotsand other proactive work, coupled with anumber of training sessions and tourscovering other times such as policing majorpublic events and attending court
A Special Constable who carries out theseduties will be entitled to a financial reward atthe end of the year.
“Rewarding dedication:”
Special Constables
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Tayside Safety Camera Partnership
The Tayside Safety Camera Partnership(TSCP) brings together Angus, Dundee Cityand Perth and Kinross Councils, the ScottishExecutive and Tayside Police with the goal ofmaking the roads in Tayside safer foreveryone by encouraging and educatingmotorists to drive within permitted speedlimits.
Supported by NHS Tayside, the ScottishAmbulance Service and Tayside Fire Brigade,TSCP aims to encourage motorists to drivewithin permitted speed limits throughinformation and education and the use ofsafety cameras situated in areas where thereis a proven incidence of collisions andexcessive speed.
"It is an admirable example of jointworking and for an excellent purpose.Making the roads safer for everyone is agoal we all must share and not just asrepresentatives of local government, theemergency services, the NHS and theScottish Executive but as a society and as acommunity.” Cllr Colin Young, Convener, Tayside Joint Police Board
Tayside Police Road Safety Unit
Tayside Police is committed to reducing roadcasualties through effective partnershipworking.
“I’ll be Des”
The “I’ll be Des” campaign is supported withresources from the English-based basedPortman Group, who are working with asmany partners as possible to highlight thedangers of drinking and driving.
The “I’ll be Des” campaign in Central andWestern Divisions brings together a widevariety of pubs and clubs to encourage onemember of a group to become the
‘des’ignated driver for the evening. Thegroups receive one free soft drink for every 3or 4 alcoholic drinks purchased.
The Eastern Division “I’ll be Des” campaignwas launched in November and was led bythe Licensing Officer in partnership withAngus Council.
Child in-car safety
The road safety unit has produced a folderspecifically designed to be a one-stopreference guide for people who carrychildren in their vehicles.
The folder, joint funded by Tayside Police,Angus Council, Dundee City Council andPerth & Kinross Council, will be available toattendees at antenatal or parentcraft classesand covers all aspects of the safe carriage ofchildren in motor vehicles.
Child car seat checking clinics held over thecourse of the previous year revealed that79% of child car seats checked wereincorrectly fitted, it was agreed that child carsafety would again be a priority this year.Three clinics were held in March with furtherclinics planned during ‘Child Safety Week’ inJune.
“Rachel Ewing, Road Safety Officer forPerth and Kinross, is an integral part of our'Talking Babies' group. Her talk is alwaysvery informative, is very well received andstimulates much discussion amongst theparents.”Margaret Cammidge, Whitefriars Surgery, Perth
Speed Indicator Display Signs
Children from Primary Schools have had theopportunity to witness first hand how thesesigns can influence the behaviour ofmotorists. The signs, funded by therespective local councils, record the speed ofthe traffic at the site and this information can
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later be downloaded and used by classes inthe school in a variety of ways. It is hopedthat by educating the pupils of the schoolthey, in turn, will influence their parents whodrive them to school to reduce their speedand alleviate congestion around theentrances.
A short presentation at the roadside is givenon how important it is to cross roads safely,how difficult it is to judge speeds and howvital it is that you wear something bright tobecome more visible to drivers.
“SID is a friendly alternative to speedenforcement and a useful tool to educateschool children. In addition to engineeringtraffic calming measures, our partnershipapproach is to educate as well as enforcespeed limits with the overall aim to makethe Dundee's roads a safer place for all.”Niall Gardiner, Roads Department, Dundee City Council
Tayside Police Dog Section
Tayside Police drug dogs played a vital role inthe ‘Safer Scotland’ anti-drugs campaignleading to drugs with a street value in excessof £100,000 recovered in addition to asubstantial amount of money. Considerabledisruption has been caused to the 57individuals who were charged with a total of131 drug-related offences.
In addition to seizures under the ‘SaferScotland’ campaign, a further £47,752 ofdrugs were seized, including a single drugseizure of £29,510.
Dog Handlers Turn Car Designers
The Dog Section has recently purchasednew Skoda Octavia estate cars, whichincorporate innovative purpose-builtkennels. Force dog-handlers providedsignificant input into the design and fitting outof the vehicles.
This has resulted in a vastly improvedtravelling environment for the dogs, whichimpacts positively in terms of efficiency.
Scottish Regional Dog Trials
Tayside Police had two entrants in the latestScottish Regional Dog Trials held in Fife.
The competition sees the handler put theirdog through a variety of tasks and disciplines– including agility, obedience, tracking,searching and criminal work.
Claiming third place was Constable LindseyWilliams and Zeta (a German Shepherdbitch). Seventh was Constable Steve Ritchiewith new recruit Max (also a GermanShepherd) – a fine result given that Max onlyqualified as a police dog some two weeksprior to the competition.
Their achievement places Zeta in the topone per cent of all dogs in the UK. It alsooffers deserved recognition to Lindsey’sabilities as a dog handler. Lindsey has onlybeen with the dog section for two years andhas already qualified Police Dog Excellent.
Tayside Police Search and Rescue Unit
The unit is deployed where specialised skillsare required in situations such as searches inmountainous terrain. Unit personnelnumbers twenty-nine officers, the latestrecruit being Constable Blair Wilkie, whocompleted her initial training period in May2003.
Over the course of the last year Search andRescue personnel were called-out a total ofnineteen occasions, increasingly as a result ofpersons reporting themselves lost onTayside’s hills and mountains by means ofmobile telephones. Helicopters suppliedthrough the Rescue Co-ordination Centrewere called out to six such incidents to assistin the evacuation of casualties or themovement of search personnel.
“I write to thank all the people involved inhelping me get back to ‘civilisation’….AlphaSection was friendly, helpful and extremelyprofessional and I am very grateful for theirefforts….”Richard Coe, Bucks
Ten individuals sustained injuries thatrequired evacuation for medical attention.Sadly, there were two fatalities during 2003.One related to a medical condition on ahillside, whilst the other was a tragic fall of aneleven-year-old boy down a 60ft gorge atthe Falls of Bruar in Perthshire.
“My own very grateful thanks for yourkindness when I had my accident. I had myleg in plaster for 6 weeks but I stillmanaged my holiday with my son inToronto.…”Mrs Ann Lough, Berwickshire
“Seeking to make adifference:”
Specialist Support
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Investment in training
The nature of the tasks undertaken by theUnit demands a commitment to regular skillupdates. Practical training is supplementedby formal courses in a variety of fields such asSearch Management, Winter Skills andHealth and Safety.
The Unit continues to train with the TaysideMountain Rescue Team twice a year. TaysidePolice are also represented on the TaysideMountain Rescue Association board, which ishosted at Forfar Police office.
Unit personnel conducted training with aMinistry of Defence helicopter on twooccasions during the last year. During oneincident on An Stuc, after the successfullocation of a missing person, the helicoptercrew from HMS Gannet, at Prestwick, wasinvited to join the Unit at a nearby hotel forbreakfast. Landing in the only space available,the grounds of the local primary school, localschoolchildren were afforded theopportunity for an unusual lesson.
“Overcoming all obstacles”
Specialist Support
New Vehicle
A new, custom-built Vauxhall Movano motorvan, part-financed by a donation from theOrder of St John, will enhance operationswithin the region. The vehicle has fullcommunication facilities, including a satellitetelephone and a generator for self-sufficiency.Laptop computers and printers are astandard part of the base vehicle’sequipment, used by personnel in planningand executing search operations. Thevehicle can carry a driver and 8 passengersand is used as a high profile base vehicle forco-ordinating search and rescue operations.
“Thank you for your response and beingthere in a time of crisis, especially on theother side of the world….”Fairlie Sampson, Tauondi College, Australia
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Funding
Tayside Joint Police Board approved a netbudget of £73.885 million for the financialyear 2004/2005. After making adjustmentsfor non-Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE)items the budget is in line with GAEsettlement for the force. Funding comes froma combination of specific police grant which ispaid by Central Government directly to theBoard and requisitions made on theconstituent councils. The charge to theconstituent councils is met mainly fromRevenue Support Grant
Certain categories of costs within the budgetare non-grant earning and these costs aremet in full from the council tax. Thesehowever form only a small part of thebudget.
Included within the budget of £73.885million is 100% grant funding provided bythe Scottish Executive of £66,000 for thespecific purpose of Port policing and£119,000 specifically for the AirwaveCommunications System.
The indicative figure for 2005/2006 is£75.370 million.
The Board has approved a capital investmentprogramme of £2.703 million for2004/2005. This programme includesprovision to purchase vehicles, laboratoryand IT equipment, Airwave CommunicationsSystem and to carry out building workthroughout the force area.
“How policing isfunded in Tayside:”
Financial Information:
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Central Eastern Western
Pensions Operations Crime Support
Corporate Development
22%
16%16%
13%
20%
6%7%
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Table 1
CENTRAL CENTRAL EASTERN EASTERN WESTERN WESTERN FORCE FORCE
Classification of Crimes and Offences Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases withMade Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced
Group 1 – Non Sex Cr. Of Violence or Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03-Imp. Violence against the Person Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04
Murder 6 2 6 2 1 0 1 0 2 1 2 1 9 3 9 3
Attempted Murder 30 44 31 43 15 18 15 18 23 18 22 18 68 80 68 79
Culpable Homicide 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 0 2 0 2 2 2 2
Serious Assault 95 103 88 80 55 44 49 43 52 36 41 33 202 183 178 156
Robbery (incl attempts) 84 98 49 67 13 20 11 16 33 32 18 28 130 150 78 111
Child Cruelty/Neglect 52 53 52 62 12 18 12 17 18 12 18 12 82 83 82 91
Others 29 47 33 45 11 18 10 18 15 14 16 14 55 79 59 77
Table 1 296 347 259 299 107 120 98 114 145 113 119 106 548 580 476 519
Table 2
CENTRAL CENTRAL EASTERN EASTERN WESTERN WESTERN FORCE FORCE
Classification of Crimes and Offences Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases withMade Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced
Group 2– Crimes Involving Indecency Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03-Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04
Rape 43 32 47 42 29 25 32 23 16 10 18 10 88 67 97 75
Assault with intent to Rape 5 6 5 6 6 5 7 5 1 8 1 8 12 19 13 19
Indecent Assault 43 61 32 52 18 24 13 25 25 25 17 27 86 110 62 104
Lewd and Libidinous Practices 98 105 100 119 102 58 109 66 29 50 31 55 229 213 240 240
Indecent Exposure 22 16 13 9 9 5 6 9 14 12 7 12 45 33 26 30
Others 9 27 9 24 16 12 14 10 19 14 19 16 44 53 42 50
Table 2 220 247 206 252 180 129 181 138 104 119 93 128 504 495 480 518
Table 3
CENTRAL CENTRAL EASTERN EASTERN WESTERN WESTERN FORCE FORCE
Classification of Crimes and Offences Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases withMade Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced
Group 3– Crimes Involving Dishonesty Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03-Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04
Th. HB, w.i. & att – Domestic Dwelling 989 726 224 218 180 129 67 63 261 272 90 144 1,430 1,127 381 425
Th. HB, w.i. & att – Domestic Non-Dwelling 466 268 79 56 95 95 36 48 128 102 15 33 689 465 130 137
Th. HB, w.i. & att – Commercial 565 294 131 95 194 128 84 40 274 192 67 76 1,033 614 282 211
Theft by O.L.P. etc. 249 319 95 202 67 71 21 21 143 155 46 64 459 545 162 287
Theft by O.L.P. to a Motor Vehicle etc. 1,557 958 216 175 193 101 40 25 411 229 127 103 2,161 1,288 383 303
Theft/Att Theft of M.V. (inc TADA) 935 619 233 246 201 203 93 105 318 237 136 119 1,454 1,059 462 470
Sec 57/Vagrancy Act etc. 89 116 89 113 30 24 30 22 59 71 59 72 178 211 178 207
Theft 4,195 4,005 1,684 2,023 1,532 1,347 609 564 2,310 2,112 836 1,030 8,037 7,464 3,129 3,617
Theft from Motor Vehicle 407 270 38 78 196 144 39 32 222 163 29 49 825 577 106 159
Reset 64 66 64 67 8 14 8 14 21 34 21 34 93 114 93 115
Embezzlement 11 7 12 6 2 1 1 1 11 1 8 3 24 9 21 10
Fraud 362 507 331 431 145 146 132 156 276 271 227 232 783 924 690 819
Others 77 163 75 158 62 47 62 37 68 63 63 45 207 273 200 240
Table 3 9,966 8,318 3,271 3,868 2,905 2,450 1,222 1,128 4,502 3,902 1,724 2,004 17,373 14,670 6,217 7,000
Statistics
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Table 4
CENTRAL CENTRAL EASTERN EASTERN WESTERN WESTERN FORCE FORCE
Classification of Crimes and Offences Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases withMade Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced
Group 4– Fireraising, Malicious and Reckless Conduct Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03-Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04
Fireraising 129 222 34 70 87 49 34 19 53 56 15 10 269 327 83 99
Malicious Damage/Vandalism 3,718 3,591 665 1,037 2,100 1,926 442 589 2,112 2,081 507 567 7,930 7,598 1,614 2,193
Others 88 120 47 89 38 46 32 42 22 28 18 24 148 194 97 155
Table 4 3,935 3,933 746 1,196 2,225 2,021 508 650 2,187 2,165 540 601 8,347 8,119 1,794 2,447
Table 5
CENTRAL CENTRAL EASTERN EASTERN WESTERN WESTERN FORCE FORCE
Classification of Crimes and Offences Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases withMade Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced
Group 5– Other Crimes Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03-Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04
Public Mischief/Wasting Police Time 113 151 115 153 50 46 49 46 70 54 70 54 233 251 234 253
Escape and Rescue 15 22 17 22 10 7 10 7 31 35 31 35 56 64 58 64
Resisting Arrest & Obstructing Constable 179 239 178 239 102 88 102 88 103 127 103 127 384 454 383 454
General Attempts to Pervert 43 99 43 99 25 48 25 47 42 53 42 52 110 200 110 198
Sex Offenders 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 4 0 4
Bail – Fail to keep Conditions 315 1,477 315 1,479 41 239 42 239 96 144 96 144 452 1,860 453 1,862
*Offensive Weapons etc 145 168 144 168 52 35 53 34 72 57 72 57 269 260 269 259
Drugs – Supply, Possession w.i. etc. 244 251 243 253 95 143 95 145 339 379 336 379 678 773 674 777
Drugs – Possession 931 1,149 930 1,151 371 424 372 426 589 722 587 720 1,891 2,295 1,889 2,297
Drugs - Others 9 11 8 12 2 6 2 6 4 6 4 6 15 23 14 24
Others 19 70 17 69 14 5 13 4 13 9 13 8 46 84 43 81
Table 5 2,013 3,638 2,010 3,646 762 1,043 763 1,044 1,359 1,587 1,354 1,583 4,134 6,268 4,127 6,273
Groups 1 – 5 TOTALS
CENTRAL CENTRAL EASTERN EASTERN WESTERN WESTERN FORCE FORCE
Classification of Crimes and Offences Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases withMade Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced
Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03-Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04
Group 1 296 347 259 299 107 120 98 114 145 113 119 106 548 580 476 519
Group 2 220 247 206 252 180 129 181 138 104 119 93 128 504 495 480 518
Group 3 9,966 8,318 3,271 3,868 2,905 2,450 1,222 1,128 4,502 3,902 1,724 2,004 17,373 14,670 6,217 7,000
Group 4 3,935 3,933 746 1,196 2,225 2,021 508 650 2,187 2,165 540 601 8,347 8,119 1,794 2,447
Group 5 2,013 3,638 2,010 3,646 762 1,043 763 1,044 1,359 1,587 1,354 1,583 4,134 6,268 4,127 6,273
TOTALS 16,430 16,483 6,492 9,261 6,179 5,763 2,772 3,074 8,297 7,886 3,830 4,422 30,906 30,132 13,094 16,757
At the end of a year of sustained performance improvement, the Force is delighted to record a reduction of 2.5% (774 fewer crimes) in overall reported crime compared to 2002/03. We are particularly pleased atsignificant reductions in some of the key target crime categories covered below.
Of equal significance is the Force performance in crime detection where a solved rate of 55.6% has been achieved against last year’s 42.4%. The Force target was 43% and this outturn exceeds that by more than 12percentage points. Some 3600 more crimes were detected in 2003/04 than in the previous year.
These headline results reflect the second year of improvement in both recorded crime levels and the number of crimes detected by the Force. They provide evidence that the Force’s commitment to the TaysidePolicing Style, the National Intelligence Model and Partnership Working through Community Planning is beginning to work through into safer communities across Angus, Dundee and Perth and Kinross. A great dealstill requires to be done but it is very pleasing to see such tangible results from the efforts of all our staff.
Violent Crime Although there was a 5.8% increase in the number of crimes recorded in this category, the detection rate rose by 2.6 percentage points to 89.5%. Central and Eastern Divisions recorded rises in the numbers ofviolent crimes but there was a 22.1% drop in Western Division. Whilst any increase in this category is disappointing and is of great concern to the Force, it should be remembered that crimes of this nature are stillsmall in number accounting for just 1.9% of recorded crime. The incidences of entirely random crimes in this group are rare and, thankfully, violent crimes are not everyday occurrences in most communities withinthe Tayside Police area.
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Domestic HousebreakingDomestic Housebreaking is a key priority for the Force, as it is perhaps one of the most distressing of crimes for the victims. Across the Force, Domestic Housebreaking showed a welcome reduction of 21% with 303fewer homes broken into. Reductions of 26% were recorded in Central Division (City of Dundee) and 28% in Eastern Division (Angus). Western Division (Perth & Kinross), which was targeted during the year bygroups of criminals from the West of Scotland, recorded a slight increase of 4% on 2002/2003.
The Force’s strategy of aggressively targeting the relatively small number of criminals who break into homes was seen to reap real dividends in preventing, disrupting and detecting this category of crime. Thedetection rate in this category rose from 26.6% last year to 37.7% exceeding the target set of 30%. Every Division recorded marked improvements with Western Division, in particular, reaching 52.9% with morethan one in two crimes being detected. This included a number of those incidents involving the travelling criminals mentioned.
Vehicle CrimeThe other priority area within acquisitive crime is the range of offences associated with vehicles. Concerted effort has continued to produce real success with a reduction of 34% on 2002/03, some 1500 fewerrecorded crimes. Improvements across the Force area saw 1052 (36%) fewer crimes in Central Division, 142 (24%) in Eastern Division and 322 (34%) in Western Division.
The detection rate across the Force was 31.9% exceeding the Target of 22% and a significant improvement on last year’s performance of 21.4%.
VandalismVandalism has continued to receive an increasing priority acknowledging the level of public concern. Although often relatively minor, these incidents can create misery for the victims and their impact over aperiod of time can significantly effect the quality of life for families in particular communities and areas. It is therefore pleasing to see a fall of 4% in recorded vandalism, or 332 fewer crimes, continuing last year’strend with three Divisions of the Force recorded reductions. The number of recorded crimes for Vandalism accounted for some 25% of all crimes recorded in the Force area demonstrating the impact of this senselessbehaviour on communities everywhere. It will continue to receive a great deal of attention from us and in our work with partners. The level of attention now given to Vandalism by the Force is perhapsdemonstrated by us once again significantly improving the detection rate. The detection rate for 2003/2004 was 28.9%, up more than 8 percentage points on last year. Over the year there were a number ofsuccesses in detecting individuals responsible for widespread spray painting of buildings and other wanton damage to property. The Force has been both innovative and determined to make inroads into detectingthis very difficult crime category and has seen some real progress being achieved.
DrugsThe abuse of and trafficking in illegal drugs remains a major concern across the Force area as it does in the rest of Scotland. Work, specifically against those who traffic in Class “A” substances (Heroin, Cocaine etc)remains a high priority for the Force and its partners in the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency and other law enforcement agencies. A significant number of high profile arrests have been made over the year as aresult of that work. There continues to be real concern about the availability of drugs in communities and in particular some signs that Heroin use is once again on the increase.
In 2003/04 the number of reported offences in the Force area for Supplying Drugs etc rose by 14.9% from 693 to 796 reflecting the level of policing activity.
Table 6
CENTRAL CENTRAL EASTERN EASTERN WESTERN WESTERN FORCE FORCE
Classification of Crimes and Offences Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases withMade Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced
Group 6– Other Offences Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03-Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Petty Assault 2,048 2,166 1,904 2,047 1,189 1,272 1,143 1,221 945 1,055 909 1,004 4,182 4,493 3,956 4,272
Breach iof the Peace 3,071 3,259 3,024 3,210 1,644 1,617 1,624 1,551 1,406 1,728 1,388 1,689 6,121 6,604 6,036 6,450
Racially Agg. Harassment/Conduct 156 286 122 252 36 58 31 54 38 108 32 102 230 289 185 245
False Calls and Bomb Hoaxes 18 44 12 32 17 12 9 10 25 17 12 15 60 73 33 57
Brokers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Children and Young Persons Act 6 11 6 11 4 1 4 1 2 0 2 0 12 12 12 12
Cruelty to Animals (except Dogs) 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 2 4 2 4 4 8 4 8
Offences involving Animals and Birds 2 1 2 1 2 6 2 6 22 5 17 3 26 12 21 10
Dogs Act and Orders 57 52 57 52 31 34 31 34 23 29 23 29 111 115 111 115
Explosives and Firearms 24 34 24 34 23 19 23 19 31 15 31 15 78 68 78 68
Fishery Laws 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 10
Game Laws 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 7 2 7 2 8 3 8 3
Deer (S) Act Offences 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Liquor Laws - Drunkenness 484 682 484 682 72 64 72 64 147 139 147 139 703 885 703 885
Liquor Laws - Licensees 6 10 6 10 7 8 7 8 4 2 4 2 17 20 17 20
Liquor Laws – Other Offences 18 36 18 36 12 16 12 16 11 13 11 13 41 65 41 65
Civic Govt. (S) Act and Similar Provs. 0 20 0 20 4 0 4 0 2 5 2 5 6 25 6 25
Public Health 159 204 155 201 35 37 34 36 46 30 40 30 240 271 229 267
Bicycle Offences 25 60 25 60 20 52 20 52 3 13 3 13 48 125 48 125
Obstruction on Roads and Bridges 8 5 8 5 8 3 8 3 2 5 2 5 18 13 18 13
Trespass Acts, etc 2 1 2 1 5 3 5 3 5 2 5 2 12 6 12 6
Other Group 6 Offences 446 620 446 620 128 157 128 157 80 122 80 122 654 899 654 899
Table 6 6,531 7,492 6,296 7,275 3,239 3,374 3,159 3,250 2,801 3,294 2,717 3,194 12,571 13,997 12,172 13,556
This group shows an overall increase in reported crime of 11.3% and an increase of 11.4% in the overall number of detections. The majority of the increase can be attributed to increases in two particular categories,namely petty assault and breach of the peace. These are crimes that are recognised as causing concern in our communities and are attracting increased police attention which has resulted in both an increase incrimes recorded and a corresponding increase in the overall detection rate.
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One category that continues to rise is that of racially aggravated harassment/conduct. Increased reporting of such offences is a positive step and may reflect an increased confidence in reporting and investigationprocedures by victims of these hideous crimes. Of the 289 offences reported there was an 84.8% detection rate and this is an area in which Tayside Police strive to achieve continual improvement.
Table 7
CENTRAL CENTRAL EASTERN EASTERN WESTERN WESTERN FORCE FORCE
Classification of Crimes and Offences Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases with Cases Cases withMade Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced Made Known Persons Traced
Group 7– Offences Relating to Motor Vehicles Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03- Apr 02- Apr 03-Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04 Mar 03 Mar 04
Dangerous and Careless Driving 350 332 349 330 340 366 340 366 314 395 314 395 1,004 1,093 1,003 1,091
Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 4 71 57 71 57 16 23 16 23 23 16 23 16 110 96 110 96
Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 5 293 334 293 334 177 210 177 210 250 247 250 247 720 791 720 791
*Vehicle Excise Act Offences 1,139 1135 1,139 1,135 271 359 271 359 487 489 485 488 1,897 1,983 1,895 1,982
*Speeding in Built-up Areas 1,437 3439 1,437 3,439 1,471 857 1,471 857 1,368 1,031 1,368 1,031 4,276 5,327 4,276 5,327
*Speeding outwith Built-up Areas 144 266 144 266 3,046 4,808 3,046 4,808 5,525 12,395 5,525 12,395 8,715 17,469 8,715 17,469
Other Motor Vehicle Offences 6,584 7812 6,582 7,808 3,293 3,849 3,293 3,849 4,974 5,765 4,974 5,765 14,851 17,426 14,849 17,422
Table 7 10,018 13,375 10,015 13,369 8,614 10,472 8,614 10,472 12,941 20,338 12,939 20,337 31,573 44,185 31,568 44,178
*Including Conditional Offers
The results in this table continue to reflect the proactive and intelligence led approach adopted by Tayside Police in targeting the main contributory factors involved in injury collisions.
There was a significant increase in the number of reported offences over the previous year of some 40%. However, it must be noted that this arose primarily as a result of the major increase in the number ofpersons detected speeding both in and outwith built up areas. The increase of 9,805 offences to 22,796 from the previous year’s total of 12,991 was an increase of 75.5%.
A major factor in the increase was due to the work undertaken by the Tayside Safety Camera Parnership. This road safety initiative was launched on 17 July 2004 and invoved Angus, Dundee City and Perth andKinross Councils, the Scottish Executive and Tayside Police working together. The Partnership was set up to inform drivers and riders of the dangers of excessive speeds with the aim of reducing casualties on ourroads. The Partnership operates with a combination of fixed site and mobile safety cameras deployed to locations/routes where there is an history of personal injury collisions and where speed surveys indicate thatvehicles are being driven or ridden at excessive speeds. The Partnership publicises the locations where auto detection work is being in carried out, in advance. Regrettably, it is apparent that a considerablenumber of motorist are choosing to ignore the road safety message and are continuing to drive in excess of the relevant speed limits. Tayside Safety Camera Partnership supported by Tayside Fire Brigade, TheScottish Ambulance Service and National Health Service Tayside will continue to promote the aims of the Scheme in the forthcoming year by encouraging drivers and riders to observe speed limits and alter drivingbehaviour with a view to influencing the number of persons injured on our roads.
It is encouraging to note that there has been a slight reduction in the number of persons reported for driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs (Section 4 offences). However, it is disappointing that there hasbeen an overall increase of approximately 9.9% in the number of persons detected driving over the prescribed limit (Section 5 offences). National and local campaigns continue to warn motorists of the dangers ofdrink/drugs driving. However, it remains apparent that there continues to be a minority of people who make the conscious decision to drive in such circumstances placing themselves and all other innocent roadusers in considerable danger. These persons have no place on our roads and Tayside Police will continue to use all forms of intelligence to target those involved in this totally unacceptable behaviour.
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Table 8 – Complaints against the police – numbers and disposal 2002/2003 2003/2004
Number of complaint cases received during the year 287 312
Number of complaint cases outstanding from the previous year 78 58
Total number of complaint cases to be processed 365 370
Complaint allegations disposed of during the year as follows:
Withdrawn by complainer 28 13
Abandoned due to non co-operation of the complainer 16 8
Found to be unsubstantiated 35 17
Resolved by explanation to the complainer 140 175
Reported to the Procurator Fiscal and leading to ‘No Proceedings’ decision 139 182
Reported to the Procurator Fiscal and leading to criminal proceedings 1 7
Resulting in action in terms of misconduct regulations 5 2
Resulting in Corrective Advice 30 8
Total 394 412
Number of complaint cases outstanding as at 31st March as follows:
Reporting to and pending the decision of the Procurator Fiscal 22 10
Still under enquiry by the Investigating Officer 50 37
Pending Court proceedings 1 2
Pending Disciplinary Proceedings 0 0
Otherwise Pending 5 2
Total 78 51
Hours spent in the investigation of complaints 2,782 2,948
The figure for 2002/03 of 287 showed a decrease on the previous year of 18% from 348 which included the recording of minor complaints and service delivery issues.
Whilst there was no change to the recording procedures, the figure for 2003/04 of 312 saw an increase of 8%.
Accordingly the number of allegations contained within complaints continued to increase from 394 to 412. Of these 412 allegations, 52% were either resolved by explanation, withdrawn, unsubstantiated orabandoned. 48% were reported to the Area Procurator Fiscal which resulted in 7 cases leading to criminal proceedings and only 2% of the total allegations involving misconduct issues were found to besubstantiated.
Table 9 – Establishment
Police Support Staff
Designation Establishment Designation Establishment
Chief Constable 1 Clerical Administrative & Professional 457
Deputy Chief Constable 1 Technical 123
Assistant Chief Constable 1 Domestic 0
Superintendent 14 Cleaners 55
Chief Inspector 19 Traffic Wardens 11
Inspector 54
Sergeant 162
Constable 915
Total 1167 Total 646
Special Constables 108
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Table 10 – Sickness – days lost
Number of Working Days lost
2002/2003 2003/2004
Police Support Police Support
Central 6110 1293 6059 888
Eastern 3380 412 2760 666
Western 3529 1456 2667 1245
Headquarters 874 5028 1057 5334
Total 13,893 8189 12,543 8133
Percentage 5.30% 5.93% 4.86% 5.72%
The figures show a continuing improvement for the number of working days lost due to sickness absence and this downward trend is very positive. This trend is most marked for police officers whereby a reductionof 1,350 days has been achieved, almost 10% of last year’s total. Approximately 60% of absence is due to long term absence and is accounted for by 8% of officers,
Support staff working days lost has reduced with an improvement of 3.5% in the percentage of working days lost from available working days. As with police officers, 60% of working days lost was attributable tolong term serious illness experienced by 10% of staff.
To achieve these improvements, a number of support mechanisms have been put in place including the availability of a flexible working hours scheme for support staff, an increase in the use and availability of part-time and variable working and adjustments to patterns of work. These support mechanisms have also been augmented with the support of our Occupational Health Provider, CIGNA in conjunction with HumanResource and line management intervention.
Table 11 – Authorisation of officers and issue of firearms
As at 31 March 2004
Number of officers authorised by Chief Constable as firearms users 53
Number of operations against persons known or believed to be armed in which firearms were issued 1
Number of occasions on which firearms were issued for protection purposes 7
Number of persons who received specific armed protection during the year 7
Number of times firearms were issued to destroy crazed animals 0
Number of incidents where firearms were discharged by the police 0
This department forms part of the Patrol Support Group and was formerly known as Tactical Support. This deprtment provides Tayside Police with the resources and capabilities to resolve incidents whereintervention may be required by police officers trained in the use of firearms.
Regular specialist training is provided in both weapon firing and tactical deployments to counter threats posed as a result of armed crime, VIP protection and dangerous animals. The training provided fullycomplies with the guidance published in the ACPO/ACPOS Manual of Guidance on Police Use of Firearms. Patrol Support (Firearms) can also offer highly trained ‘method of entry’ officers to perform dynamic andrapid entry to premises to assist in both firearm and search operations.
All officers who perform duties are volunteers and based throughout the entire Force area. Their performance as authorised firearms officers is constantly assessed in all areas of training by nationally qualifiedinstructors to ensure that the high standard demanded is maintained.
Through constant revision of tactics deployed, equipment provided, procedures undertaken and training offered, Patrol Support (Firearms) ensure that they can provide an effective and proportionate response to anyrequest for their specialist assistance.
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Table 12 – Racist Incident reportsNumber of cases where persons
Incidents Reported apprehended, reported or warned2002/2003 2003/2004 2002/2003 2003/2004
Central 172 194 124 152Eastern 39 69 33 57Western 43 42 34 35Total 254 305 191 244
Breakdown of Types of Incidents2002/2003 2003/2004
Abuse/Br. of the Peace 206 261Vandalism 21 13Assault 22 26Others 5 5Total 254 305
Racist Incidents rose by 51 this year to a total of 305; this is a matter for concern. Further analysis of the ethnicity of victims reveals that an increase is apparent in only two categories:Asian ~ up from 143 to 163 an increase of 19White European ~ up from 40 to 88 an increase of 48.
The increase in complaints by White Europeans is surprising and deserves further analysis. It is not possible to comment fully on this rise before the analysis is complete.Despite this increase, this category of crime is relatively rare in Tayside. It is generally spontaneous in nature, often associated with alcohol and there are few premeditated acts.The Force Working Group on diversity remains active and is chaired by the Deputy Chief Constable. This group maintains a close scrutiny of reported racial incidents. Racist incidents are reported daily to theTasking and Co-ordinating Group. This highlights the priority that the Force places on the effective investigation of this type of crime.
Table 13 – Table of comparisons – Road Collisions and Casualties2002/2003 2003/2004 Increase/Decrease % Change
Central Division – Dundee DistrictTotal Collisions 1920 1572 -348 -18.1%Persons Killed 3 2 -1 -33.3%Persons Seriously Injured 75 55 -20 -26.7%Persons Slightly Injured 389 294 -95 -24.4%Overall total – Killed and Injured 467 351 -116 -24.8%
Eastern Division – Angus DistrictTotal Collisions 1417 1219 -198 -14.0%Persons Killed 6 8 2 33.3%Persons Seriously Injured 92 78 -14 -15.2%Persons Slightly Injured 388 246 -142 -36.6%Overall total – Killed and Injured 486 332 -154 -31.7%
Western Division – Perth & KinrossTotal Collisions 1924 1923 -1 -0.1%Persons Killed 16 27 11 68.8%Persons Seriously Injured 148 153 5 3.4%Persons Slightly Injured 425 472 47 11.1%Overall total – Killed and Injured 589 652 63 10.7%
TaysideTotal Collisions 5261 4714 -547 -10.4%Persons Killed 25 37 12 48.0%Persons Seriously Injured 315 286 -29 -9.2%Persons Slightly Injured 1202 1012 -190 -15.8%Overall total – Killed and Injured 1542 1335 -207 -13.4%
Regretably and tragically, the number of persons killed on our roads during the year 2003/2004 increased from the previous year’s total which, in itself, had shown a substantial reduction from the preceding year.Unfortunately, several collisions resulted in double fatalities and one resulted in a triple fatality.Western Division, in particular, suffered from an increase in all categories from the preceding year. There is an ongoing liaison with the local authorities and the Scottish Executive to analyse and identify the causesof collisions and, where possible, to determine possible engineering solutions. Education and targeted enforcement continue to attempt to influence driver behaviour and reduce the incidence of injury collisions onthe roads.On a positive note, it is encouraging that there has been a significant reduction in the total number of collisions and in the number of persons injured across Tayside Police as a whole. With the exception offatalities, this general pattern continued the progress of the Force towards achieving the National Targets set for casualty reduction by 2010.
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Table 14 – Table of road users killed and injured
Killed Injured Totals
2002/2003 2003/2004 2002/2003 2003/2004 2002/2003 2003/2004
Central Division – Dundee District
Pedestrians 2
0 108 84 110 84
Pedal Cyclists 0 0 26 24 26 24
Motor Cyclists 0 0 15 19 15 19
Motor Cycle Passengers 0 0 2 0 2 0
Drivers 1 2 193 132 194 134
Passengers 0 0 120 90 120 90
Totals 3 2 464 349 467 351
Eastern Division – Angus District
Pedestrians 0 0 61 33 61 33
Pedal Cyclists 1 1 14 14 15 15
Motor Cyclists 0 0 24 18 24 18
Motor Cycle Passengers 0 0 3 1 3 1
Drivers 5 3 240 180 245 183
Passengers 0 4 138 78 138 82
Totals 6 8 480 324 486 332
Western Division – Perth & Kinross
Pedestrians 1 1 66 41 67 42
Pedal Cyclists 0 0 17 11 17 11
Motor Cyclists 3 3 43 45 46 48
Motor Cycle Passengers 0 1 3 4 3 5
Drivers 8 13 298 332 306 345
Passengers 4 9 146 192 150 201
Totals 16 27 573 625 589 652
Tayside
Pedestrians 3 1 235 158 238 159
Pedal Cyclists 1 1 57 49 58 50
Motor Cyclists 3 3 82 82 85 85
Motor Cycle Passengers 0 1 8 5 8 6
Drivers 14 18 731 644 745 662
Passengers 4 13 404 360 408 373
Totals 25 37 1517 1298 1542 1335
Whilst there was a reduction of 3 motor cycle passengers injured from the preceding year, it is recognised that for the third year running, the number of motor cyclists and passengers killed and injured has remainedat an excessive level. There continues to be a general increase in the numbers of persons attracted to recreational motor cycling and this involves persons with a wide range of skills and experience. Targetedenforcement work continues within Tayside Police and in joint operations with our neighbouring forces to encourage the safer use of motor cycles and deal with those who choose to use high powered machinesinappropriately, risking serious injury to themselves and others. The Bikesafe initiative is operated by motor cyclists from within the Tayside Police Road Policing Unit to improve rider awareness and provide anassessment of rider skills.
Tayside Police Road Safety Officers in association with the local authorities undertake a range of initiatives to educate children and parents in respect of road safety issues.
It is encouraging that there has been an overall reduction in the number of casualties across the Force area.
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Table 15 – Fatal Collision Pattern 1990 – 2003/2004
Table 16 – Collision Pattern 1990 – 2003/2004
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Table 17 – Table of road users killed and injured
Killed Injured
Under 16 16 and Over Under 16 16 and Over
Central Division – Dundee District
Pedestrians 0 0 37 47
Pedal Cyclists 0 0 11 13
Motor Cyclists 0 0 2 17
Motor Cycle Passengers 0 0 0 0
Drivers 0 2 0 132
Passengers 0 0 18 72
Totals 0 2 68 281
Eastern Division – Angus District
Pedestrians 0 0 11 22
Pedal Cyclists 0 1 7 7
Motor Cyclists 0 0 0 18
Motor Cycle Passengers 0 0 0 1
Drivers 0 3 0 180
Passengers 0 4 16 62
Totals 0 8 34 290
Western Division – Perth & Kinross
Pedestrians 0 1 17 24
Pedal Cyclists 0 0 1 10
Motor Cyclists 0 3 0 45
Motor Cycle Passengers 0 1 2 2
Drivers 0 13 0 332
Passengers 1 8 29 163
Totals 1 26 49 576
Tayside
Pedestrians 0 1 65 93
Pedal Cyclists 0 1 19 30
Motor Cyclists 0 3 2 80
Motor Cycle Passengers 0 1 2 3
Drivers 0 18 0 644
Passengers 1 12 63 297
Totals 1 36 151 1147
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Table 18 - Misuse of Drugs
Seizures Weight Approx. Value (£)
Drug 02 – 03 03 – 04 02 – 03 03 – 04 02 – 03 03 – 04
Heroin 137 223 5950.76 grams 4048.21grams 952,161 647,713
Cocaine 96 95 2689.65 grams 3702.03 grams 161,379 222,122
MDMA (Ecstasy) 174 148 2921.34 10,070 tabs 14,605 52,711
LSD 0 1 0 4 0 12
Psilocybin 0 1 0 1.902 grams 0 10
Amphetamine
Powder 138 107 12,612.34 grams 8074.18 grams 126,123 80,742
Tablets 2 1 2 1 10 5
Cannabis
Resin 1100 1400 60,019.67 grams 163,473.1 grams 300,098 817,366
Herbal 76 79 3114.65 grams 5775.87 grams 15,573 28,879
Plants 16 31 174 plants 1629 plants 30,450 285,075
Pharmaceuticals
Morphine 14 10 87 tabs 49 tabs 696 490
Ketamine Powder 1 0 0.832 grams 0 21 0
Temazepam 24 13 269 tabs 748 tabs 269 748
Dihydrocodeine 34 33 655 tabs 2359 tabs 327 1,180
Steroids 4 5 67 tab/amp 96 doses 91 96
Viagra 4 5 118 tabs 90 tabs 944 720
Dipipanone 1 6 7 tabs 49 tabs 56 392
Diazepam 113 69 10,044 tabs 2188 tabs 10,044 2,188
Methylphenidate 5 0 22 tabs 0 11 0
Lormetazepam 1 0 8 tabs 0 8 0
Methandieone 6 0 1,002 tabs 0 704 0
Ephidrene 1 0 976 tabs 0 4880 0
Nitrazepam 1 16 5 tabs 321 5 321
Sub Total 209 157 13,260 tabs/amp 5801.248 18056 6,1350.832 grams powder
Methadone Linctus 14 14 958.15 mls 2083.1 mls 191.63 416.62
Morphine Liquid 1 2 20ml 90 mls 10 450
Total Value £1,618,657 2,141,636
Detected drugs offences 02-03 2,577
03-04 3,091
The number of detected drugs offences recorded during 2003-2004 showed a marked increase from 2,577 the previous year to 3,091. The street value of drugs recovered has also risen significantly from £1,618,657the previous year to £2,141,636. This is mainly due to several large seizures of Cocaine, Ecstasy, Cannabis Resin and Cannabis.
In line with the National and Force Strategic Tasking and Co-ordinating Group’s Control Strategies of targeting Class A drug dealers, Tayside Drugs and Surveillance branch have had another successful year. Theimplementation of the Proceeds of Crime Act has also assisted disrupting the activities of the dealers with recent cash seizures of £14,000 and £12,000.
As in previous years, the Tayside Drugs/Surveillance Branch has focused on Class A drug dealers. A number of lengthy operations were undertaken. One such operation resulted in the arrest of 28 individuals fromLiverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and the Perth and Dundee areas of Tayside. It seriously disrupted a major organised crime group bringing drugs into Tayside and resulted in large seizures of Heroin, Cocaine, Ecstasyand Cannabis Resin.
The use of the Class A drug Heroin is widespread throuhout the Tayside Region, seizures of the drug have almost doubled in the past year which is a worrying trend. Due to several major seizures in the past twoyears, some dealers are prepared to travel on a more regular basis for smaller amounts and conceal these packages internally to avoid detection.
The Class A drug Cocaine has shown a year on year increase across the region. Although seizures of the drug have remained similar, the amount recovered has increased dramatically. During one intelligence ledoperation, one kilo of Cocaine and one kilo of Heroin were recovered. This was the largest ever seizure of the two drugs combined in the Tayside area.
Ecstasy also continues to be abused across the region; seizures are slightly down but, again, the amount recovered has increased significantly.
Amphetamine seizures and the amounts recovered have dropped. Although the drug remains popular the availability of Cocaine and Ecstasy, along with their street prices dropping, may play a factor in this.
Cannabis Resin/Cannabis still remains the most popular drug of choice and multi kilo amounts are still being recovered in consignments along with Class A drugs. There has also been a sharp increase in the amountof house based Cannabis Hydroponics Cultivations producing dealer quantities. This is possibly due to poor quality Resin or the downgrading of the drug from Class B to C.
The illegal use of prescription drugs is also widespread across the region. In many of the recoveries surrounding Diazepam, forensic examination of the tablets has found them to be counterfeit or a mixture of otherdrugs with some Diazepam present. Packaging recovered also indicates that the drugs are made abroad and would not be prescribed in this country.
In the past year the Tayside Drugs/Surveillance Branch has built on its established links with the SDEA and other force Drugs/Surveillance Units. It has also forged new links with the National Crime Squad ofEngland and Wales ensuring that every opportunity is taken to arrest or disrupt individuals not only supplying drugs in Tayside but also those who orchestrate their delivery to our communities.
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Table of Statutory Performance Indicators
Category 2002/2003 Result 2003/2004 Target 2003/2004 Result
Crimes (Groups 1 to 5) % cleared up 42.4% 43% 55.6%
Serious Violent Crime ~ crimes made known 648 597 665
Serious Violent Crime ~ % cleared up 90.4% 91% 92%
Domestic Housebreaking ~ crimes made known 1,430 1,359 1,127
Domestic Housebreaking ~ % cleared up 26.6% 30% 37.7%
Drugs: Number of Seizures 1,455 1,579 1,782
Drugs: Number of Crimes made known ~ supply, possession with intent etc. 693 707 796
Racist Crime ~ % cleared up 80.4% 82% 84.8%
Car Crime ~ crimes made known 4,440 4,218 2,924
Car Crime ~ % cleared up 21.4% 22% 31.9%
Roads Policing Unit ~ a) Number of people killed/seriously injured 340 333 323
Roads Policing Unit ~ b) Number of children killed/seriously injured 57 54 40
Roads Policing Unit ~ c) Number of slight casualties 1,202 1,178 1,012
Sickness Absence ~ % working time lost - a) Police Officers 5.3% 5% 4.9%
Sickness Absence ~ % working time lost - a) Support Staff 5.9% 5% 5.7%
Complaints ~ per 100 Employees 15.2 14 16.2
Sustained performance improvement impacted upon the results across the Statutory Performance Indicators and resulted in the detection rate for crime Groups 1 to 5 improving by 13 percentage points on the2002/2003 result. Serious Violent Crime was one of three areas where the Force target was not met. Whilst Serious Violent Crime accounts for only 2% of total recorded crime, Tayside Police takes this kind ofcrime very seriously indeed and this is reflected in the fact that 92% of the crimes committed were detected. The number of houses broken into in Tayside fell by 21% during 2003/2004 when compared to theprevious year. The aggressive targeting of a small number of criminals was most successful. The Divisions and supporting departments within Tayside Police worked very closely together to combat the activities ofgroups of travelling criminals. Trafficking of Drugs in Scotland continues to be given a very high priority. Class ‘A’ drugs in particular are of paramount concern, not only in Tayside but also with the Scottish DrugEnforcement Agency and other external partners. An improvement in the number of Racist Crimes detected reflects the continuing commitment of Tayside Police to crimes of this nature. Car Crime was given ahigh priority across the Force which resulted in 1500 fewer crimes being recorded and an improved detection rate of 31.9% ~ a 10.5 percentage point improvement on the 21.4% recorded at the end of 2002/2003.Overall, a reduction in road casualties throughout Tayside was encouraging. A decrease in the number of days lost through sickness was recorded both for Police Officers and Support Staff. Complaints against allPolice staff rose from 15.2 in 2002/2003 to 16.2 in 2003/2004.
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Contact InformationPlease visit our website at: www.tayside.police.uk
If you wish to make any comment about this Annual Performance Report, or require further information, please contact the Head of Headquarters Division by any of the following methods.
By writing to: Headquarters Division,Tayside Police,PO Box 59,West Bell Street,Dundee DD1 9JU
By Telephoning: (01382) 596802E-mail: [email protected]
Textphone: (01382) 204500If you require a copy of this document in a community language or large print, please telephone: (01382) 596742