We are the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner for Scotland. Our role is to independently investigate incidents involving the police and independently review the way the police handle complaints from the public.

"Our aim is to increase public confidence in the police by scrutinising their actions and ensuring lessons are learned to improve the standard of service given to the public."

Michelle Macleod, Commissioner

 

  

  • Our
    Priority

    To carry out thorough and timely investigations of incidents involving the police

  • Our
    Priority

    To carry out thorough and timely reviews of the way police handle complaints

  • Our
    Priority

    To carry out our functions with a high level of efficiency, governance and accountability

About Us

Independent Investigations

We independently investigate incidents involving policing bodies in Scotland. 

Find out more about this aspect of our work, including current investigations, published investigation reports (including information on what we can publish) and previous investigations.

More about investigations

Complaint Handling Reviews

We independently review the way in which policing bodies in Scotland handle complaints made about them by members of the public. 

Find out how to request a review of your complaint; what we do when you contact us about your complaint; and the possible outcomes of a complaint handling review.  

About Complaint Handling Reviews

Latest News

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PIRC announces Myeloma UK as charity of the year 2022-23

02 September 2022

A key part of our staff engagement and culture at the PIRC is our charitable giving and this year’s cause is one close to our heart, as we raise funds in memory of a colleague. Commissioner, Michelle Macleod said: “Each year our staff nominate or vote for a charity t...

PIRC revise Statutory Guidance for police complaint handling

29 June 2022

Revised statutory guidance for handling complaints about the police in Scotland has been issued by the PIRC. The statutory guidance sets out the guiding principles of effective and efficient complaint handling arrangements, provides practical advice to police complai...

Public consultation begins

24 May 2022

A public consultation regarding new legislation on the handling of complaints against the police is now live. This includes recommendations to update the responsibilities of the PIRC through new powers and the strengthening of PIRC's current accountability and govern...