Positive report for Drug Agency
7 Apr 05
Inspection report for Enforcement Agency records progress in intelligence liaison and money laundering
The Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency has made good progress in a number of areas of its work, according to a review inspection report published by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).
A primary inspection in 2003 made 21 recommendations covering subjects from leadership, policy and strategy, to partnerships and resources, people management and processes. Seven of these have now been found to be fully discharged.
The new report finds that SDEA has responded positively in relation to improving management processes, improving the flow of intelligence and establishing an operational protocol between SDEA and the Scottish police forces in relation to serious crime.
The Agency has also looked to exploit and maximise the impact of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 on the criminal fraternity and has recently reviewed the functions and structure of the Scottish Money Laundering Unit. It is now considering creating a Financial Intelligence Development Unit and money laundering investigation team, and employing a forensic accountant.
The Agency is seeking to develop the Scottish Witness Liaison Unit (SWLU) and is considering proposals to introduce support staff to enable police officers to be deployed to other operational duties – a move welcomed by the inspectors.
Her Majesty's Assistant Inspector of Constabulary, Mr Kenny McInnes, said:
"The SDEA has embraced the spirit of the primary inspection report and initiated a robust and structured programme of change.
"It has discharged a number of the recommendations from the primary inspection within a relatively short period, including improving the flow of intelligence and establishing an operational protocol between the Agency and Scottish police forces in relation to serious crime.
"HMIC will conduct a further review inspection of the SDEA during 2006 when we will revisit the recommendations that remain to be discharged, and examine progress in other area where HMIC retains an interest."