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  3. HMICS Assurance review of Conduct and Discipline
  4. Appendix B - Police Scotland’s Standards of Professional Behaviour

HMICS Assurance review of Conduct and Discipline

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  • HMICS Assurance review of Conduct and Discipline
    PDF file, size 1.5 MB
Inspection reports

26th May 2026

Additional

  • Our inspection
  • Key findings
  • Recommendations
  • Areas for improvement
  • Identification of good practice
  • Background
  • Methodology
  • Leadership
  • Appendix A - Code of Ethics for Policing in Scotland
  • Appendix B - Police Scotland’s Standards of Professional Behaviour

  • Our inspection
  • Key findings
  • Recommendations
  • Areas for improvement
  • Identification of good practice
  • Background
  • Methodology
  • Leadership
  • Appendix A - Code of Ethics for Policing in Scotland
  • Appendix B - Police Scotland’s Standards of Professional Behaviour

Appendix B - Police Scotland’s Standards of Professional Behaviour

These standards reflect expectations of officers, whether on or off duty.

Honesty and integrity

We act with honesty and integrity and do not compromise or abuse our position.

Authority, respect and courtesy

We act with self-control and tolerance, treating members of the public and colleagues with respect and courtesy in line with our values. We do not abuse our powers or authority and respect the rights of all individuals.

Equality and diversity

We act with fairness and impartiality. We do not discriminate unlawfully or unfairly.

Use of force

We use force only to the extent that it is necessary, proportionate and reasonable in all the circumstances.

Orders and instructions

We give and carry out only lawful orders and instructions.

Duties and responsibilities

We are diligent in the exercise of our duties and responsibilities.

Confidentiality

We treat information with respect and access or disclose it only in the proper course of our duties.

Fitness for duty

When on duty or presenting ourselves for duty, we are fit to carry out our responsibilities.

Discreditable conduct

We behave in a manner which does not discredit the Police Service or undermine public confidence in it, whether on or off duty.

Challenging and reporting improper conduct

We report, challenge or take action against the conduct of others which has fallen below the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

Duty of Candour

We act with candour, openness, professionalism and truthfulness in our dealings and proceedings.

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Appendix A - Code of Ethics for Policing in Scotland
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