Scotland’s police forces must do more to improve both the accuracy and efficiency of data input to the Police National Computer (PNC), according to a report issued today.
The report from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland found that progress to address previously highlighted issues is too slow and that a continued lack of senior level direction is resulting in the inefficient use of personnel time and excessive instances of incomplete recording.
HM Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland Bill Skelly said:
“Maintaining accurate criminal records is critical not only to the criminal justice organisations that use this information but for reasons of public safety.
“Our report shows that since our original inspection in 2005, progress to implement the recommendations remains slow, with the majority of forces still lacking a clear strategic direction on PNC.
“It is also important to recognise that the integrity of data relies on input from the three main criminal justice agencies. I appreciate the significant progress already made by Scotland’s criminal justice partners to integrate their systems but we found that in practice the flow of information between the three needs to be more robust if we are to prevent omissions and failures arising between the Scottish systems and the PNC.
“Moreover, as all computer record errors currently default to the police every force in Scotland is responsible for correcting not only its own errors but those of all criminal justice partners. The result is in an inefficient use of police time and resource simply to support the system itself.
“I have highlighted particular concerns regarding the number of Impending Prosecutions currently sitting on the system and a national weeding policy designed to help manage this. We had already drawn this matter to the attention of ACPOS and the SPSA and I am pleased they have now taken action to identify the main reasons behind cases not being updated and are working with criminal justice partners to rectify the situation.
“We would urge forces and the SPSA to work together with criminal justice partners to address all issues raised and drive greater efficiencies in public services.”
