HMICS Assurance review of Conduct and Discipline

The Chief Constable was required to prepare a Code of Ethics for Policing in Scotland which sets out the values of Police Scotland and expectations relating to the conduct and practice of Police Scotland constables and staff.

This Code, as revised through the Police (Ethics, Conduct & Scrutiny) (Scotland) Act 2025, outlines the standards we expect of all individuals who contribute to policing in Scotland. We are all responsible for delivering a professional policing service to all people across Scotland. This Code sets out both what the public can expect from us and what we should expect from each another.

By following the Code of Ethics for Policing in Scotland and upholding our values of integrity, fairness, respect and our commitment to protecting human rights, we will ensure we deliver the best possible service for our communities and each other.

Integrity

I recognise the obligation my role in policing places upon me to act with integrity, fairness and respect and to uphold human rights and the impact my actions have on public trust in the police.

I shall behave at all times in a way which reflects the values of policing in Scotland.

I understand that I am personally responsible for my own actions and I shall exercise my discretion appropriately.

I shall deliver a professional, impartial policing service, placing service to communities before personal interest.

I shall not accept any gift or gratuity that could, or could reasonably be perceived to, compromise my impartiality.

I shall not behave in a manner which is, or may reasonably be considered to be, abusive, bullying, harassing or victimising and I shall challenge all such behaviour and any other conduct which falls below the standard of professional behaviour.

I shall consistently act in-line with our duty of candour. I shall be open and truthful in my dealings, without favour to my own interests or the interests of the police service.

I shall demonstrate candid behaviour at all times and will attend interviews and assist and participate in proceedings, including all investigations, openly, promptly and professionally.

Fairness

I shall act with courage, self-control, tolerance and impartiality.

I shall promote the safety and wellbeing of persons, communities and colleagues and ensure fair access to police services.

I shall carry out my duties in a fair and impartial manner without favouritism or influence from any personal feelings or interests. I will not discriminate unlawfully or unfairly and will be guided by my duty to respect and protect the human rights of all persons.

Respect

I shall show respect for all people and their beliefs, values, cultures and individual needs.

I understand my attitude and the way I behave contribute to the consent communities have for policing.

I shall respect and uphold the law in carrying out my duties and be accountable for my actions.

I shall treat all people, including detained people, in a humane and dignified manner.

I shall ensure my relationships with colleagues and partners is based on mutual respect and understanding and shall conduct all communications on that basis.

I shall ensure my actions and policing operations respect and protect the human rights of all people.

In carrying out my duties, I shall as far as possible apply non-physical methods and attempt to de-escalate the situation before resorting to any use of force. I shall only use force where necessary, reasonable and proportionate to achieve a lawful objective. I shall use the minimum amount of force appropriate to the circumstances and ensure a graduated response to any threat.

I understand that police can use lethal or potentially lethal force only when there is an imminent threat of death or serious injury to themselves or others and it is absolutely necessary to prevent that harm.

I shall record each occasion when I use force. I understand that I am personally accountable for any amount of force I use.

I shall not inflict, encourage, or allow any act of torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in any circumstances. I shall ensure that all detained persons for whom I have responsibility are treated in a humane and dignified manner.

I shall not deprive any person of liberty except in accordance with the law and by following the correct legal procedures.

I shall investigate crimes objectively and impartially and will consider the particular needs of victims and witnesses. I shall follow the principle that everyone who is the subject of a criminal investigation is innocent until found guilty by a court.

In carrying out my duties I shall respect the right to private and family life. I shall collect, retain, use and disclose information or data in accordance with this right and all relevant legislation.

I shall respect and protect the freedoms of thought, conscience and religion, of expression and of peaceful assembly and association and the right to peaceful enjoyment of property.

In all my actions, I shall have regard to my duties to safeguard the welfare and ensure the best interests of children.

I recognise that I am entitled to the same human rights as other individuals, including the right to life, to freedom from torture and discrimination and to dignity at work, but that limitations on the exercise of some of my rights may be required for legitimate purposes due to the specific public role and function I serve.