Report Summary
The Scottish Police Authority responded to a Scottish Government consultation on the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) Bill. This was submitted on 6 December 2024.
This should be read alongside the Authority’s additional written submission on the Bill.
This PDF document above captures the Authority's submission to a Government consultation which was conducted via an online survey.
To view as accessible content please use the sections below.
Misconduct procedures: functions of the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner
Misconduct procedures: functions of the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner
Section 5 proposes to remove the qualifications as to what functions can be conferred on the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) from the 2012 Act. Currently, the functions are limited to those which relate to investigations of whether a constable has been engaged in misconduct.
It provides the PIRC with more extensive functions in relation to disciplinary procedures, such as the preliminary assessment of allegations.
Q: What are your views on the proposal to broaden the functions of the PIRC to include any aspect of the regulatory disciplinary procedures, not just misconduct investigations?
A: The Authority supports this provision in the Bill. The amendment is necessary in order to implement Lady Angiolini’s recommendations (numbers 25 and 39 in her final report) that the PIRC perform a greater role in senior officer misconduct proceedings, beyond its current investigative functions.
