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

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

195. Police Scotland has made considerable progress in planning for the delivery of policing the Commonwealth Games 2026. Arrangements are commensurate with the current stage of preparation and demonstrate appropriate organisational grip, professional expertise and risk awareness.

196. Particular strengths include the clarity of police command and governance, the integration of intelligence and protective security into planning, and the systematic attention given to workforce sustainability and wellbeing. These elements provide a strong platform from which to move confidently into the final stages of preparation and delivery.

197. The remaining work is limited, clearly identified and largely focused on validation rather than design. Assurance will be strengthened through the completion and testing of fully integrated, organiser‑led command and control arrangements, further exercising of Games‑wide systems and interoperability, and the finalisation of a small number of partner‑dependent plans and agreements. These matters are appropriately owned, governed and time‑bound.

198. Providing that momentum is sustained and outstanding dependencies are resolved as intended, we are confident that the service will be able to deliver safe, effective and proportionate policing of the Games.

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