Police Investigations and Review Commissioner

Summary

The PIRC is established under section 33 of the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006, significantly expanded by the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 and the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Act 2025. The Commissioner is appointed by Scottish Ministers for an initial five-year term (reappointment for three years) and may be removed for cause. Former constables are expressly disqualified from appointment. PIRC independently investigates serious complaints and incidents involving the Police Service of Scotland, with designated investigators receiving full constabulary powers. Section 44 of the 2006 Act requires authorities to provide information to the Commissioner; evidence access is full. Discipline recommendations are advisory; final decisions rest with Police Scotland or the Scottish Police Authority.