In light of the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland Assurance review of Conduct and Discipline finding that some allegations of pot…

The Scottish Government has introduced reforms through the Police Service of Scotland (Senior Officers) (Conduct) Amendment Regulations 2026 to strengthen the independent scrutiny and handling of misconduct allegations involving senior police officers.Under the new arrangements, any allegation concerning a senior officer that is received by, or comes to the attention of, the Scottish Police Authority or the Chief Constable must be referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) without delay. The Commissioner is then required to assess whether the alleged conduct, if proven, would amount to misconduct, gross misconduct, or neither, and to investigate the matter where appropriate.The reforms also provide for misconduct hearings to be chaired by a legally qualified member of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland appointed by the Lord President. In addition, they increase transparency by enabling hearings to be held in public and by providing for the publication of outcome reports in most cases.These measures recognise the distinct role held by senior officers, who exercise significant leadership responsibilities and are entrusted with maintaining the highest standards of public service and confidence in policing. For that reason, the senior officer misconduct regime incorporates additional safeguards to ensure independent scrutiny, transparency and accountability. Collectively, these reforms strengthen public confidence in the handling of allegations involving senior officers.