Police complaints, investigations and misconduct
We’re improving the police complaints process and making it more transparent, to help build public trust.
The Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Act, which became law in March 2025, introduces measures to strengthen police accountability and integrity. It:
- ensures there is always a Code of Ethics for officers and staff working for Police Scotland
- places a legal duty for police to be candid (open and honest)
- introduces regular background checks throughout police careers
- makes disciplinary procedures stronger and more independent
- introduces an advisory list for police officers under investigation for alleged gross misconduct, and a barred list for officers dismissed, or who would have been dismissed, due to gross misconduct.
- strengthens independent oversight of Police Scotland
These changes follow recommendations from an independent review into police complaints handling. We published a joint response to the review with the Crown Office accepting the majority of recommendations.
Associated impact assessments
When introduced the bill was accompanied by the following impact assessments:
- business and regulatory impact assessment
- data protection impact assessment
- equalities impact assessment
- island communities impact assessment screening record
How we consulted
In 2022 we consulted with the public about police complaints, investigations and misconduct legislation.
We published an analysis of the consultation along with the consultation responses.
Wider work to improve police complaint handling
Policing and legal bodies have been working to implement recommendations from the review that did not need a change in law, including:
- roll-out of a new police complaint handling model which sees all complaints being handled by specialist teams rather than local police stations
- new quick resolution process to help solve issues faster and more consistently
- better training for staff in handling complaints, understanding bias, and supporting people with mental health needs
- improved procedures for complaints about senior officers
- easier ways for the public to complain or report crimes e.g. through clearer information on websites and QR codes to access complaint forms
- Policing Together Strategy focusing on equality and diversity, with zero tolerance for discrimination
Tracking progress
We publish reports setting out progress towards implementing the recommendations made by the independent review. See:
- thematic progress report: June 2021
- thematic report: December 2021
- thematic report: June 2022
- thematic report: December 2022
- thematic report: May 2023
Progress is overseen by a ministerial group, strategic oversight group and practitioner working group.
Complain about the police or Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal
Find out how to complain about:
- the police at the Police Scotland website
- the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) at the COPFS website