Status of all recommendations

PSD should adopt a corporate approach to investigative record keeping, including auditable documentation of planning, decision making and supervisory oversight.

The Scottish Government should consider a system-wide review be undertaken to identify opportunities to expedite criminal cases where the perpetrator is a police officer or member of police staff (either on or off duty).

The Scottish Government should consider amending The Police Service of Scotland (Conduct) Regulations 2014, to include accelerated misconduct hearings for all ranks (in appropriate circumstances).

The Scottish Government should consider introducing an expedited process within The Police Service of Scotland (Conduct) Regulations 2014 for cases where facts are undisputed, allowing sanctions up to and including verbal or written warnings.

In reviewing The Police Service of Scotland (Conduct) Regulations 2014 and its associated guidance, the Scottish Government should consider incorporating best practice from the Reflective Practice Review Process used in England and Wales.

The Scottish Police Authority should ensure the expertise of its complaints team is utilised when assessing all reports of potential wrongdoing by senior officers.

The Scottish Police Authority should maintain clear, auditable records detailing the receipt, rationale and decisions arising from the initial assessment of reports of potential wrongdoing by senior officers.

Police Scotland should share all reports of alleged wrongdoing involving senior officers with the SPA, without exception, including those made anonymously.