PIRC unveils new strategy to strengthen police oversight
Scotland’s police watchdog has published a new three-year strategy setting out its priorities for strengthening independent oversight of policing and improving public confidence.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) said its Strategic Plan 2026-29 will focus on delivering independent scrutiny of policing, supporting continuous improvement across the service and strengthening public confidence in its work.
The strategy also commits the organisation to developing its organisational capability and resilience, supporting its workforce and improving its ability to respond to future challenges.
Police Investigations and Review Commissioner Laura Paton said PIRC played a key role in safeguarding the rights of people who come into contact with the police by investigating serious incidents and reviewing how complaints from the public are handled.
She said: “This scrutiny is essential for maintaining that public trust and confidence in policing.”
The strategic objectives follow a review of the organisation’s future direction and will be delivered through PIRC’s annual business plans. The watchdog said the strategy is intended to support continuous improvement in policing while ensuring it remains equipped to meet changing demands over the next three years.