Police complaints and conduct reforms go out for views

Legal reforms to follow Dame Elish Angiolini's review into the handling of complaints against the police have been put out to consultation by the Scottish Government.

A 12-week consultation opened today on a proposed Police Complaints, Investigations and Misconduct Bill which would take forward certain recommendations in Dame Elish's report that require new legislation.

These include:

• holding police officer gross misconduct hearings in public;
• accelerated misconduct hearings for all ranks of officer where the evidence supports this;
• new processes to deal with gross misconduct even after officers leave the service;
• additional powers for the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner including recommending suspension of officers;
• Scottish Police Authority to have liability for unlawful conduct by a Chief Constable.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown commented: "It is in everyone’s interests – from police officers and staff to the general public – that we have robust, clear and transparent mechanisms in place for investigating complaints or other issues of concern.

"The Scottish Government and partners have already made progress on the implementation of many of Dame Elish’s recommendations, but others require legislative change.

"Through this consultation we are seeking the views of the public, key partner organisations and stakeholders on these important next steps in line with our wider commitment to ensure all public services are accountable, transparent and trusted."

Read the consultation here. The closing date for responses is 16 August 2022.