Who We Are

The Scottish Police Authority is independent of both the Scottish Government and policing. It is the primary governance body for policing in Scotland, and was established as a public body on 1 April 2013 by the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012. It was set up to hold the Chief Constable to account; promote, support and oversee improvement in policing. It is also responsible for the management and delivery of Forensic Services in Scotland and Independent Custody Visiting Scotland.

In this section, find out more about the Authority’s priorities, the Board and the Leadership team.

Who We Are

What We Do

The Scottish Police Authority is responsible for maintaining policing. It has four specific areas of responsibility:

promoting the policing principles

supporting continuous improvement

keeping policing under review

holding the Chief Constable to account.

This section tells you in outline what the Authority does.

What We Do

Published: 22 December 2022

Statement: Councillor Graham Houston

Topic: Workforce

Stirling Council has announced the passing of Councillor Graham Houston on Sunday 18 December following a short illness.

Councillor Houston was an Authority member from October 2012 - October 2018.

Responding on behalf of the Authority, Martyn Evans, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority said:

“The Scottish Police Authority is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Councillor Graham Houston.

"Graham was a great advocate of local and responsive policing and public services. He made a significant contribution to policing over the 6-years he served as a member of the Authority.

“Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this time.”

Article initially published 19 December 2022.

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Statement: Councillor Graham Houston