Complaints and Conduct Committee

MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
• Police Scotland PSD Annual Performance Report (24/25)
• SPA Annual Report (24/25)
• PIRC Annual Report on Police Scotland Handling of Complaints and Referral Investigations (24/25)
• Operation Glade Update
• Police (Ethics, Conduct & Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill Update
• Committee Work Plan

KEY ISSUES RAISED
Police Scotland PSD Annual Performance Report Members were provided with a report noting statistical information on overarching performance activity in relation to complaints and conduct matters about members of Police Scotland for period (1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025). Members had a detailed discussion around the outcomes of gross misconduct hearings and were updated by PS on this process and assured that this is an area being reviewed as part of the HMICS Conduct Review. In addition, members had a detailed discussion on why there had been a higher number of suspensions and were advised that PS believe there are a higher number of people coming forward to report matters, which they welcome. Members were further advised that that 70% of the volume of suspensions related to off duty matters. Members have asked PS to report back on the rationale for the high level of complaints in Dumfries and Galloway and Tayside, however, members were assured that there is ongoing dialogue with PSD and local divisions to understand any points and learning that needs to be taken on by officers. The committee had a discussion around barriers associated with Front-Line Resolution complaints (FLR), noting that if they were used more, they could lead to better outcomes for complainers and give staff members more time to deal with complex complaints quicker and more robustly. PS have committed to a piece or work to have a closer look at FLR and how a greater level of success can be achieved, particularly by looking at other sectors out with policing, how they handle complaints and how PS can gain a higher level of resolution.

SPA Quarterly Report Members were provided with a report updating members on complaints and conduct matters including key statistics reflecting the position at the end of quarter 4, 2024/25. In addition, the report also included statistics over the past 6 years, 2019/20 to 2024/25.

PIRC Annual Report on PS Handling of Complaints and Referral Investigations Members were provided with a report detailing key statistics reflecting the position at the end of quarter 4, 2024/25, in relation to PIRC complaint handling reviews and statutory referral investigations. Members sought clarity around outstanding organisational learning points and when members can expect to see an improvement. Members were assured that these are all pieces of work being taken forward, with immediate implications and changes taking place, however, delays usual sit with the policy change which can take time to work through. PIRC assured members that engagement with PS is being progressed in relation to outstanding organisational learning points.

Operation Glade Update Members were provided with a report on work being done in relation to Operation Glade. Members asked that future reports are more transparent and public facing in terms of the report titles. Members discussed the need for an audit to take place around the backlog of complaints with an update due to the next committee meeting. PS agreed with this approach, noting that discussions had already taken place with a Terms of Reference for this piece of work being underway.

Police (Ethics, Conduct & Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill Update
Members were provided with a report which provided an update and overview of activity ongoing to prepare for the implementation of the Police (Ethics, Conduct & Scrutiny) Scotland Act 2025 and its implications for Police Scotland. Members were advised that there would be a further additional committee to discuss the development of code of ethics in coming weeks, which is a current focus and priority at this time.

Committee Work Plan Police Scotland and SPA officials have met to discuss principles for future reporting, covering both content of standing quarterly/annual reports and scheduling of agreed additional reports. Members look forward to receiving proposals from PS and SPA officials for consideration.

PRIVATE ITEMS DISCUSSED
• Police Scotland Annual Conduct Report (24/25)
• Police Scotland Ongoing Non-Criminal Complaints
• SPA Ongoing Complaints Update
CONCLUSIONS/ACTIONS REACHED

Members AGREED that Police Scotland should report back to the committee on the high level of complaints in Dumfries and Galloway and Tayside and what is being done in response to that.

Members AGREED that Police Scotland should review emerging trends and Irregularity in Procedure to identify what could be simplified to improve performance in that area.

Members AGREED the need for a piece of work to be taken forward to have a closer look at Front Line Resolution (FLR) and how a greater level of success can be achieved, particularly by looking at other sectors out with policing, how they handle complaints and how PS can gain a higher level of resolution.

Members AGREED that Police Scotland should expand its trend analysis in annual reports to the Committee across the range of complaints data (particularly in relation to allegation categories) in line with earlier Committee agreement in June 2024 to enable Angiolini Review recommendation 79 to be submitted for discharge.

Members AGREED the need for the full SPA Board are made aware of the Revision to Law for Corroboration and the wider implications in relation to policing practice ahead of the next committee meeting.

Members AGREED the need for Police Scotland to consider the title of reports where an operation is referred to (i.e. Operation Glade) and to take into consideration the public reader.

Members AGREED the need for an audit to take place around the backlog of complaints with an update due to the next committee meeting.