PIRC and SPA Joint Audit Report

IZharov provided an overview of the Audit Report of Police Scotland on the triage of Complaints about the Police carried out jointly by the PIRC and SPA, and highlighted the key findings and relevant recommendations made. During discussions the following matters were raised:

ACCASpeirs welcomed the work carried out by PIRC and accepted the detail contained within it, however, noted that the audit was two years old and did not reflect any changes made by Police Scotland in the summer of 2021. ACCASpeirs advised that PS will take on any relevant learning, however.

Members welcomed the comments by ACCASpeirs and sought clarity on when the audit would be repeated. Members also sought clarity on what standard of evidence was required to determine whether a complaint is upheld or not up held. IZharov advised that he was unable to advise when the audit will be repeated, noting the need to first engage with PS on the recommendations within this report. IZharov advised that complaints about the police are determined on balance of probability and noted that there is guidance to assist with each case.

Members sought clarity on the delays in carrying out of the audit and its publication. IZharov advised that the delay was a result of staff resource available to PIRC.

Members noted that although the report is two years old, there is still a need to understand how those recommendations have been addressed.

Members NOTED the report.