As explained in lectures and tutorials, governmental objectives and strategies in relation to law and order are reflected right down to grass roots level in the police service, ultimately impacting on policing communities. Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabulary (HMIs), many of whom are ex-Chief Police Officers themselves, conduct a series of annual inspections in each force.
One of their functions is to seek evidence that the force is being run efficiently and effectively in accordance with local and governmental objectives. Some inspections are thematic in nature in that they concentrate on a more narrow range of issues or themes.
Hamiltonshire Police are shortly to be inspected by one of Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary. A major theme of his inspection this year is to:
“Seek evidence of the forces’ commitment to the implementation of both the government’s 10 year drug strategy and Serious Crime Strategy, with particular reference to those areas upon which the police can make the greatest impact.”
In the role of Detective Inspector Alan McNeil of the Hamiltonshire Drug Squad, you will write a briefing paper/report for your Chief Constable to provide him with evidence that the force is committed to the strategies. He has instructed you to use the on-going drugs operation, code-named “Marsh”, as the main vehicle by which he will seek to satisfy the HMI.
The word limit is 3,500 words (+/-10%). This excludes footnotes, but includes quotations. The word count must be printed on the top right hand corner of your work.