Thesis

Lifting the veil : a study of Police Boards in Scotland reflecting on policing governance and the Scottish Police Authority

Creator
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2013
Thesis identifier
  • T13549
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • There has been little research into Police Boards in Scotland. What research that has been conducted into police governance mainly relates to England and Wales. This thesis looks to answers four questions: Who are the Police Boards? How are the Police Boards in Scotland structured/managed? What are Police Board members and stakeholders perceptions of their Police Board duties and effectiveness? and, What lessons do the perceptions of practitioners provide for the future governance and accountability of policing in Scotland? The research was conducted during a period of change for Scottish policing and reflects these influences. The research approach was one of critical realism. The research strategy addressed what Boards were, what they did and their effectiveness. Police Board minutes were examined and meetings attended gaining an insight into Board duties. Board members and stakeholders were identified and a profile questionnaire was sent to all members of all Scottish Police Boards. A good questionnaire response enabled the establishment of an insightful profile of Police Board members. 49 Police Board stakeholders were subsequently interviewed and their perceptions of Police Board duties obtained. Interviewees included 32 Police Board members, 10 senior police officers (including two Chief Constables), six senior police executives and one senior Scottish Government official. The research found that the profile of the eight Police Boards in Scotland did not reflect the Scottish population, there was diversity in the work conducted by Police Boards and there were several areas where Police Boards in Scotland were not effective. The findings from the research were further examined considering a Scottish Police Authority offering relevant advice and guidance. The research thereby provides a historical overview of pre-reform Police Boards in Scotland during a time of change, an independent overview of Police Boards and their effectiveness and provides advice and guidance for the future of police governance in Scotland.
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2013
Former identifier
  • 1001291

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