Report recommends shake up of police complaints system

A review of Scotland's Police complaints system is calling for a huge change in the way it operates.

Dame Elish Angiolini's 488 page report has 81 recommendations including the increase in powers for the Police Watchdog.

She's recommending legislation allowing gross misconduct proceedings against officers to continue or even start once the person leaves the police force.

She also says the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) should be made accountable to the Scottish Parliament.

This has been welcomed by the uncle of a Caithness man who's death has been the subject of a heavily criticised police investigation.

Kevin Mcleod was found at Wick harbour in 1997 and his death has been treated as unexplained ever since.

In 2017, Police Scotland admitted Northern Constabulary failed to treat his death as murder, despite being told to by prosecutors.

Allan Mcleod said: "The main issue of this review we believe is trust. The question has to be asked does anyone trust police investigating police. Our family doesn't after what the police has put us through.

"We sincerely hope that the recommendations in Dame Elish Angiolini's report will be fully implemented by the Scottish Government, in an attempt to restore the public's trust and confidence in the way complaints about the police are investigated.

"To ensure no other family in Scotland will be treated with contempt or suffer the denials and lies we have experienced by police over the past two decades.

"This review was long overdue. We believe, the current police complaint system is clearly designed not to hold officers accountable. This regulation must change.

"It's just unbelievable, as far as we're concerned the Scottish Police are a law to themselves. "This has to change, and we suspect the mishandling of complaints in Kevin's case along with other cases were instrumental in setting up this review. "

The aim of the review was to consider the current law and practice in relation to complaints handling, investigations and misconduct issues in relation to policing and to make recommendations for improvements.

Dame Elish said she is acutely aware'' of the death of Sheku Bayoh, who died after being restrained by police in May 2015 while officers were responding to a call in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

She said it would be improper'' for her to comment before a public inquiry into the death, which will be chaired by Lord Bracadale, is complete.

Aamer Anwar, solicitor for the family of Mr Bayoh, said the review is a devastating and damning indictment of a police complaint system not fit for purpose in a modern and democratic Scotland''.

Police Scotland's Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM said: “I am grateful to Dame Elish for her significant work which underlines the range and depth of challenges for policing, those who scrutinise policing, and the public we serve.

“Racism and discrimination of any kind is deplorable and unacceptable and I utterly condemn it. It has no place in society, and no place in policing.

“Our core values are integrity, fairness and respect and a commitment to upholding human rights. These are the foundations of policing in Scotland and are demonstrated every day by officers and staff up and the down the country.

“Values based policing which reflects and represents our communities is vital to the public confidence and consent from which policing draws its legitimacy.

“That bond of trust is maintained and enhanced by our commitment to improving standards where learning is identified.

“I agree it is crucial that the culture of Police Scotland is welcoming and inclusive to all and that we support all our people to thrive and flourish in what is an extremely demanding job.

“Dame Elish’s recommendations are wide-ranging and their implications now require careful consideration. Police Scotland will continue to work with communities and other partners to relentlessly improve how we serve our fellow citizens and maintain their trust and support."