Report Summary
The Scottish Police Authority provided written evidence to the Scottish Government's Criminal Justice Committee on the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) Bill. This was submitted on 6 December 2024.
This should be read alongside the Authority’s responses to the pro-forma call for views on the Bill.
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Introduction
Introduction
The Scottish Police Authority welcomes this opportunity to provide written evidence on the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) Bill. This paper apart should be read alongside the Authority’s responses to the pro-forma call for views on the Bill.
The Authority supported Lady Angiolini’s legislative recommendations and proposals in its response to the Scottish Government’s consultation. The Authority is also supportive of the Bill, insofar as it seeks to implement those recommendations and proposals.
This paper focuses on four specific issues:
- Lady Angiolini’s proposals in respect of complaints about senior police officers, which are not reflected in the Bill;
- the Authority’s functions in respect of the Barred and Advisory lists (section 7 of the Bill);
- Lady Angiolini’s recommendation that the PIRC be included as a “prescribed person” under UK whistleblowing legislation; and
- the use of the term “relevant complaint” in the Bill, and in the Police Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006.
Before addressing these issues in detail, it may be helpful to summarise the Authority’s current responsibilities for complaints and conduct.
