Latest News

Seventh Issue of Emerge Published

Emerge is the regular update for policing and the wider criminal justice community on the work of the SPSA. Emerge is now presented in new interactive PDF format.

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Plans unveilled to speed up forensic support for Scottish police

SPSA Forensic Services has today published proposals to improve the speed, consistency, and cost effectiveness of forensic analysis in Scotland.

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Scots Police Training Revamp puts Emphasis on Hands-On Experience

Scotland’s new police recruits are to complete their formal training faster, and experience more operational time on the streets as part of the largest shake up of probationer training in recent years.

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SPSA Board

Independent Convenor SPSA Board
Vic Emery is a former Managing Director of BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions, which manage the shipyards on the River Clyde, and sat on the Board of BAE Systems UK and Rest of the World Organisation from 2003 until 2008. 

Independent Members 

Bill Matthews, a former senior executive of Motorola and a non-executive Director of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Services Management Board. 

Police Force Members
Stephen House, Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, Chair of ACPOS Crime Business Area and member of the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce.

Colin McKerracher, the Chief Constable of Grampian Police and Chair of the ACPOS Business Change and Forensic Science Programme Boards.

Police Authority Members
George Kay, Strategic Chair of Fife Council's Police, Fire and Safety Committee and a member of Fife Council since 2005.    

Iain Whyte, Convener of Lothian and Borders Police Joint Board and a Councillor with Edinburgh Council since 1995.

This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice. 

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.  George Kay is a member of the Scottish National Party.