Watchdogs are disappointed with the progress made by the body that oversees Scotland's largest police force, a report has revealed.
The Accounts Commission and the Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland raised concerns about Strathclyde Police Authority more than a year ago. But in a new report the two organisations complained the overall pace of change at the authority is slow and they are "disappointed with progress".
Members of the authority, who are elected councillors from the Strathclyde Police area, missed an opportunity to become more actively involved in setting the vision for policing, the report also said.
The force had invited authority members to workshops – part of its strategic planning process – but these were "poorly attended". Only three members took part in the first workshop in December last year and just one member attended the January workshop. "This was a missed opportunity for the authority to become actively involved in setting the vision and strategic direction for policing in Strathclyde," the report stated.
In July last year a joint best-value audit, published by the Accounts Commission and the inspectorate, said the authority needs to "strengthen its arrangements for oversight of Strathclyde Police".
Members need better support and training to "develop their understanding, build their skills and gain greater confidence in holding the chief constable to account".
A new nationwide police force is due to be up and running by next April, meaning Strathclyde Police Authority will only remain in place for the next few months. But the report said: "It is crucial that business as usual is maintained over this period and the improvement agenda continues to be progressed."
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