The UK’s second-largest police force has signed a major three-year deal with Huddersfield-based fleet management and roadside services group FMG.

Police Scotland, which is second in size only to the Metropolitan Police, was formed by the merger of eight separate police forces into one.

FMG expects to manage about 25,000 recoveries a year – for vehicles which have been driven without insurance, stolen, involved in collisions or involved in crime. As part of the contract, FMG will also provide specialist forensic facilities, vehicle storage and vehicle disposal services.

FMG is already the recovery services provider for several police forces, including a recently-extended contract with the Lancashire Constabulary.

Supt Jim Leslie, of Police Scotland’s operational support division and project executive, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with FMG.

“It means there is one single contract for this service instead of the different arrangements which existed under the former legacy forces.

“A major benefit for Police Scotland is that the new structure will release police officers from administrative duties and their return to operation roles will assist in keeping people safe.”

John Catling, chief executive of FMG, said: “We have worked very closely with the Scottish Police Authority throughout the tender process to fully understand its operation and we are delighted to have won this contract.

“We specialise in reducing cost, mitigating risk and managing resources and through this contract we will take away the day-to-day management of vehicle recoveries, thus allowing the police to focus on the challenging requirements of policing.

“We look forward to working closely with Scottish Police Authority to increase efficiencies and enhance its operational performance.”

FMG has shown its ability to manage the complex contract through its proven experience in vehicle recovery, its fully-vetted national recovery network and its knowledge of police processes – including preserving evidence on or within vehicles, specialist vehicle examination and storage arrangements.

Fleet Management Group
Fleet Management Group