How we came to be and why
The range of expert policing and support services that now make up SPSA were once collaborative arrangements within policing. Nine years ago, a police-led review of structures led to agreement on consolidating common services - as well as creating a national, integrated ‘crime scene to court' forensic service.
On 4 July 2006, with overwhelming Parliamentary support, the Scottish Police Services Authority was established as a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) - allowing it to operate at arm's length from Government with a separate board while remaining accountable to the Government and Parliament of the day.
Today, SPSA plays an important role in the effectiveness of modern policing by maintaining and managing national information systems, forensic services, ICT, and training through the Scottish Police College.
In addition, we maintain the specialist frontline officers and staff for the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA). This now places the SCDEA on a formal statutory footing - allowing it, among other things, to recruit its own staff.
Each of our ‘business areas' has a devolved budget and responsibility for day to day engagement with partner organisations. The heads of the business areas come together regularly as an Executive Committee to tackle mutual problems and identify business opportunities. They are each line managed by the Chief Executive who provides overall strategic direction and is personally accountable for the money the organisation spends.