HMICS Assurance review of Conduct and Discipline

The aim of this assurance review was to assess the state, efficiency, and effectiveness of officer and staff conduct and discipline processes within Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority. To deliver this assurance review, we adopted a comprehensive, evidence-based approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods. We conducted interviews from across a broad range of stakeholders and with those involved in or with experience of conduct or discipline processes, as well as representatives from staff associations and trade unions. We also examined concluded police officer conduct case files and concluded police staff disciplinary cases. The resultant review report highlights strengths, identifies areas requiring improvement and proposes 24 recommendations aimed at strengthening professional standards, organisational learning, leadership behaviours, wellbeing support and accountability across policing in Scotland. We had been set to publish the findings of our review in March 2026, but temporarily paused publication after requests from both the Chief Constable of Police Scotland and the Chief Executive of the Scottish Police Authority – who had asked for time to consider any potential implications for proceedings that were currently ongoing. No changes were made to the review during this period while publication was paused.