Complaints, investigations and misconduct in policing - implementation of recommendations: thematic progress report – June 2022
Third thematic progress report following publication of the independent review of complaints, investigations and misconduct in policing in Scotland, setting out implementation progress with details of the status and lead responsibility for each recommendation.
Theme 4: Transparency and Accessibility
In this reporting period, a further 3 improvement recommendations have been signed off as completed. This means that all recommendations within this theme have been completed, thus ensuring that information on the complaints system and processes are now more accessible and clearly communicated to all members of the public.
Improvements to information on how to complain
There have been a number of improvements around accessibility for members of the public to the police complaints process, which links with Recommendation 46. Since the last report, COPFS has published additional easily accessible, and suitably prominent, guidance on their external website explaining the option of making a complaint against an off-duty police officer directly to COPFS. A new process has also been introduced for engagement with members of the public who wish to report their criminal allegations against the police direct to COPFS and the signposting of the option for reporting directly to COPFS is now included in the websites, and other publications, published by other partner investigating organisations (Police Scotland, PIRC, SPA). All of this information will be migrated across to the new website as soon as it becomes live. This includes the completion of a new “information capture” form which has been designed so that complainer might provide, and COPFS (Criminal Allegations Against the Police Department) can obtain, sufficient relevant background and detail with regards the substance of a complaint. This means that the complaint can be progressed quickly following appropriate liaison between COPFS, Police Scotland Professional Standards Department and/or PIRC. This recommendation is now considered fully implemented.
Recommendation 48 is aimed at improving and publicising the right to complain, or comment, by displaying posters in police stations and other public buildings. The QR code to access the complaints section of Police Scotland’s website has now been widely publicised and forms part of the publication to be displayed in public buildings with a view to increasing accessibility. The poster has been delivered for distribution across Local Policing Divisions, including third party reporting centres within the community. This recommendation is now considered fully implemented.
Recommendation 49 also relates to improving and publicising the right to complain, focusing on improved accessibility for young persons. Police Scotland has continued to consult with the Youth Parliament on the work being undertaken and outlined at recommendation 48 above. A Youth Hub Section has now been added to Police Scotland’s website to ensure maximum accessibility and this has been endorsed by the Youth Parliament. Cross referencing links have also been added to the FAQ on the Youth Hub section and on the main complaints page making young people’s right to complain clear. This recommendation is now considered fully implemented.
The SPA has also made improvements to the complaints handling page of its website, giving further clarity about the complaints handling process. The improvements include a new online complaints form, incorporating equality and diversity monitoring, as well as providing guidance to complainers on the types of complaints that are both within and outwith SPA’s remit.
Further updates
Details on progress against other recommendations under this theme are set out in the table below:
Theme 4: Transparency and Accessibility - Progress Overview for the period 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022
Recommendations
46
Publicising avenue to take criminal allegations to COPFS directly
Lead
COPFS
Current Position
Complete
Current Position
Since 16 December 2021 COPFS has published additional easily accessible, and suitably prominent, guidance on the COPFS external website explaining the option of making a complaint against an off-duty police officer directly to COPFS. In addition, the signposting of the option for reporting directly to COPFS is now included in the websites, and other publications, published by other partner investigating agencies.
Recommendations
48
Police Scotland to publicise right to complain
Lead
Police Scotland
Current Position
Complete
Current Position
The QR code to access the complaints section of Police Scotland’s website has now been widely publicised and forms part of the poster to be displayed in public buildings to increase accessibility. The poster has been delivered for distribution across Local Policing Divisions, including third party reporting centres.
Recommendations
49
Know your Rights section of the Police Scotland website to be improved
Lead
Police Scotland
Current Position
Complete
Current Position
Consultation with Scottish Youth Parliament has continued and a new Youth Hub section has been added to Police Scotland’s website making clear young people’s right to complain. And, as noted at recommendation 48, a QR Code was established in October, providing the public with enhanced accessibility to the Police Scotland Complaint Section on the website.
The following is a list of recommendations within this theme which have already been signed off by the Ministerial Group as completed in 2021:
Theme 4: Transparency and Accessibility cont - Signed off by Ministerial Group as completed and reported in the 16 December 2021 Thematic Progress Report
Recommendations
30
Greater public sharing of SPA Complaints and Conduct Committee work
Lead
SPA
Recommendations
31
SPA Complaints and Conduct Committee work to feature in SPA Annual Report and Accounts
Lead
SPA
Signed off by Ministerial Group as completed and reported in the 24 June 2021 Thematic Progress Report
Recommendations
36
Publicising recourse beyond PIRC to Scottish Public Services Ombudsman
Lead
PIRC
Recommendations
PR8
Police Scotland to simplify navigating complaints process for members of the public
Lead
Police Scotland
Recommendations
PR6
Police Scotland to adjust "Early intervention" practice to ensure officers are aware of a complaint against them
Lead
Police Scotland
Contact
There is a problem
Thanks for your feedback