PIRC annual report highlights achievements over the ten years since it was created
Scotland’s police oversight body has carried out more than 800 investigations and handled almost 3,000 complaint reviews since it first launched in 2013.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) has also made more than 3,000 recommendations of which 97 per cent have been implemented.
The figures – published in PIRC’s latest annual report – also show a rising caseload across the decade as the organisation’s remit has expanded.
In 2023/24, PIRC assessed 834 referrals and conducted 151 investigations compared with 251 referrals and 40 investigations in 2013/14.
It also received 260 applications for Complaint Handling Reviews (CHRs), which included 1,346 separate Heads of Complaints (HoC) compared with just 600 HoCs in 2013/14.
Ninety-nine per cent of all incidents involving police were assessed for investigation within five working days against its annual target of 90 per cent – and achieved the same turnaround for all CHR applications.
The PIRC undertakes independent investigations into serious incidents involving the police. It also provides independent scrutiny of the way Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority responds to complaints from the public.
Commissioner Michelle Macleod said: “Over the past ten years, we have sought to increase public trust and confidence through independent scrutiny of police actions and by promoting continuous improvement.
“The scope of our work has increased substantially while investigations have also grown more complex and protracted. Despite the increasing workload, I am pleased to report that we are exceeding our strategic objectives.
“Looking ahead, PIRC’s strategic objectives will require to be delivered alongside new legislative provisions extending the current powers and responsibilities of PIRC that will arise from the implementation of the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill.”
She added: “I will conclude my tenure early next year. It has been an absolute privilege to serve with the support of a committed and dedicated team at PIRC.”
Ms Macleod was reappointed Commissioner in August this year.