Report Summary
Issued 14 April 2026, this FOI response relates to the recording of proven false allegations in Scotland. Information not held - advice provided that Police Scotland may hold information.
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Request
Your request for information dated 6 April 2026 is copied below.
I am writing to seek clarity on a specific issue within Scotland’s criminal justice system.
Scotland’s crime recording rules recognise offences such as falsely accusing a named person of a crime, and it is understood that false reports may also be recorded under existing crime codes depending on the circumstances.
However, it is not clear whether there is any consistent national approach to identifying and recording allegations which are shown to be knowingly false, malicious, or deliberately fabricated.
The question is straightforward.
Does Police Scotland operate a clear and consistent national recording category, or equivalent mechanism, for proven false allegations?
If so, I would be grateful if you could outline how these cases are recorded, and whether any national data is collated and published.
If not, is there any current consideration being given to introducing such a framework?
Given the potential for serious harm to individuals in cases where allegations are later shown to be false, clarity on this point is important.
