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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Scottish Intelligence Database (SID)

An 'intelligence led approach' is at the cornerstone of 21st century policing and the overall effectiveness of the police service and law enforcement agencies is dependent upon their knowledge of the diverse communities being served. The availability of intelligence is therefore of fundamental importance to the business of providing safer communities. Central to this intelligence community in Scotland is the Scottish Intelligence Database (SID).

What is SID?  

At the touch of a button SID is a one-stop shop where police officers in Scotland can input and research criminal intelligence nationally. SID allows the eight Scottish police forces, the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) and the Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) to input, access, manage and disseminate intelligence material.

Further development is ongoing to expand those with access to SID, together with the enhancement of the functionality of the application and to promote interaction with other systems.

The Criminal Justice Intelligence Support unit is responsible for the management and oversight of SID.