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  3. Strategic review of policing the Commonwealth Games 2026
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Strategic review of policing the Commonwealth Games 2026

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  • HMICS Strategic Review Of Policing The Commonwealth Games 2026
    PDF file, size 1.9 MB
Inspection reports

18th June 2026

This strategic review gives an independent assessment by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) of Police Scotland’s approach to planning for the policing of the Commonwealth Games 2026. It considers the state, effectiveness and efficiency of policing arrangements at this stage of preparation, and the evolving nature of planning activity as delivery approaches. In line with our terms of reference, we provided high-level feedback to Police Scotland during the course of our review, giving details on areas that required further development prior to the Commonwealth Games beginning on 23 July 2026. This report outlines our key findings and makes just one recommendation for Police Scotland

Additional

  • Recommendation
  • HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland
  • Our review
  • Key findings
  • Recommendation and areas for development
  • Methodology
  • Background
  • Governance, assurance and risk
  • Operational planning, logistics and partnerships
  • Business as usual, local policing and community engagement
  • Specialist policing functions
  • Conclusion

  • Recommendation
  • HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland
  • Our review
  • Key findings
  • Recommendation and areas for development
  • Methodology
  • Background
  • Governance, assurance and risk
  • Operational planning, logistics and partnerships
  • Business as usual, local policing and community engagement
  • Specialist policing functions
  • Conclusion

5. The Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026, across four main venues in the Glasgow area. This is the second time in 12 years that Glasgow has hosted the Games and it will be the largest international event held in Scotland since the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) took place in Glasgow in 2021.

6. Glasgow 2026 Limited will deliver the Games (with an anticipated budget of £150 million) and will meet the costs associated with policing the event. Under Operation Lannair, Police Scotland is responsible for policing the Games and the King’s Baton Relay across Scotland. It is also responsible for developing and implementing the overall policing plan for the Games, working in close partnership with key partners and stakeholders.

7. As the UK’s second largest police service (with over 16,000 officers and more than 5,000 staff), Police Scotland has extensive experience in managing major events. Since its establishment in 2013, the service has successfully policed a range of high-profile occasions, including:

  • the Commonwealth Games 2014
  • the 2014 Ryder Cup
  • the European Athletics Championship 2018 (co-hosted with Berlin)
  • the visit of the President of the United States in 2018 and 2025

8. Police Scotland has formed a strategic oversight board, chaired by the Deputy Chief Constable for Operational Policing, to work with partners to ensure a safe and secure CWG, with minimal impact on the wider community. A command structure has also been developed, with police Gold, Silver and Bronze commanders appointed and a core planning team established.

9. The SPA has statutory functions that include maintaining the Police Service of Scotland and holding the Chief Constable to account for policing in Scotland.

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