§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the functions and compatibility of the Standards Unit and HMIC. [61180]
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§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 13 June 2002]: Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) and the Standards Unit have separate and complementary roles. They work together to identify where forces and basic command unit's (BCUs) need support to improve their performance. HMIC will continue to report on performance across the whole service, alerting the Police Standards Unit (PSUs) where it believes its support is needed to improve performance: PSU by contrast will focus on particular areas where BCUs and forces need help to improve performance.
In doing this, PSU will draw on advice from HMIC, monthly crime data by BCU and the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) (and other sources where available). Its early work includes developing analysis and assessment frameworks to make best use of police performance data and quality assurance processes to ensure the accuracy and reliability of this data.
The Standards Unit will begin a programme of targeting support for forces and BCUs in the autumn. It will also provide funding to help the best BCUs to innovate and develop best practice.