New institute to enhance Scottish policing

A University of Dundee-led consortium of 13 Scottish Higher Education institutions was recently awarded more than £2.1 million by the Scottish Funding Council and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland to carry out research relevant to the needs of Scotland's police forces.

In addition to the Council's grant of £1.1 million and £1 million from ACPOS, the consortium will top this up with their own contribution of £6.5 million. The funds will be used to set up the Scottish Institute for Policing Research.

The aim of the Institute is to strengthen the evidence base on which police policy, practice and training are developed, build policing research capacity in Scottish higher education institutions, and encourage and help the development of national and international links with other researchers, policy makers and practitioners involved in policing research.

Institute Director and Professor in the University's School of Social Sciences, Nick Fyfe, said, "The establishment of the Institute is a very important, exciting and timely development. Building on the wide-ranging expertise that exists within the consortium of 13 higher education institutions, the Institute will carry out high quality, independent research of relevance to the Scottish police service which will enhance the international reputation and recognition of policing research in Scotland."

"By providing a single focus for the research community and the Scottish police service, the Institute will also facilitate the efficient and effective transfer of knowledge that is so important to developing sound, evidence-based policing policy and practice."

"At a time when issues of risk and security have never been so prominent and policing itself is undergoing significant change, the strategic need for research that addresses the complex issues and challenges that the police face has never been greater."