Partnerships

Research that informs policing
Evidence and academic expertise continue to shape operational policing and strategic decision making.
SIPR provides trusted insight to support complex national policing challenges.

A partnership built over two decades
The long standing relationship between Police Scotland and SIPR brings together policing and academia to address shared priorities.
Collaboration ensures research is relevant, practical and focused on real world policing needs.

Looking to the future
Emerging technologies, changing crime patterns and wider societal challenges will require even stronger evidence informed policing.
International collaboration and academic partnerships will play an increasingly important role in helping Police Scotland deliver its 2030 vision.

Policing fit for the future
Effective policing requires continuous learning and adaptation to meet changing threats, risks and public expectations.
Research helps ensure policing remains responsive, resilient and future focused.

The value of partnership
Collaboration between the Scottish Police Authority, Police Scotland and SIPR strengthens the evidence base that underpins policing policy and practice.
Academic expertise provides valuable insight to inform both current decision making and future developments.

Building public trust
As policing evolves, evaluating new approaches is essential to maintaining public confidence.
Evidence informed policing helps ensure changes deliver better outcomes for communities across Scotland.

Evidence that strengthens inspection
Research provides an essential evidence base for HMICS inspections and recommendations.
Working directly with academics helps ensure inspection findings are informed by the latest research and emerging evidence.

Twenty years of collaboration
The longstanding partnership between HMICS and SIPR has created a valuable body of knowledge that continues to support policing oversight.
Historic and current SIPR research continues to shape major inspection programmes and strategic reviews.

Driving continuous improvement
Collaboration with researchers strengthens understanding of complex policing issues, from police reform to violence against women and girls.
Bringing together inspection expertise and academic evidence helps improve policing services and outcomes for communities across Scotland.

The value of partnership
Forensic science depends on strong partnerships across policing, academia and the wider justice system. Fiona highlights how collaboration with SIPR helps evaluate practice, strengthen the evidence base and improve outcomes for the people of Scotland.

Why research matters
Research and innovation ensure forensic science keeps pace with new technologies and evolving criminality. Academic collaboration helps develop and evaluate new tools, supporting investigations, strengthening justice and maintaining public confidence.

Looking ahead
As technologies such as artificial intelligence continue to develop, Fiona sees even greater opportunities for collaboration between practitioners and researchers. Independent evaluation and evidence informed innovation will be essential to ensuring forensic science remains trusted, ethical and fit for the future.