Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Act 2025
| Act of the Scottish Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision about a code of ethics and a duty of candour for the police; to make provision about vetting of constables and police staff; to make provision about procedures for misconduct and the consequences of certain conduct by constables; to make provision about the functions of the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner; and to make provision for a board to advise the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner. |
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| Citation | 2025 asp 5 |
| Introduced by | Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 4 March 2025 |
Status: Current legislation | |
| History of passage through the Parliament | |
| Text of the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Act 2025 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. | |
The Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Act 2025 is an act of the Scottish Parliament relating to professional standards in Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.
Background
In 2024, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Craig Naylor suggested that the Scottish Government should adopt legislation to make misconduct in public office a criminal offence.[1]
Provisions
The act amended the oath of office to include a duty of candour.[2] The duty of candour extends to Scottish Police Authority staff.[3]
Police are required to have a code of ethics.[3] Police are required to be subject to ongoing vetting throughout their careers.[4]
The role of the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner is expanded to include investigations made from within the police force, reviewing misconduct procedures and handling the complaints of whistleblowers.[5]
References
- ^ "Police Scotland officers 'should face criminal charge for misconduct'". BBC News. 25 September 2024. Archived from the original on 25 September 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ "Latest recruits swear new duty of candour to strengthen standards of professional behaviour". Police Professional. 11 July 2025. Archived from the original on 20 July 2025. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ a b Paton, Craig (10 September 2024). "Police Scotland officers 'should face criminal charge for misconduct'". Daily Record. Archived from the original on 20 July 2025. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ Hunter, Katie (2 July 2025). "Police officer sentenced for domestic abuse of two women". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2 July 2025. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ "Scotlands Police Reform: Unpacking the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) Act 2025". Transparency News. 4 March 2025. Archived from the original on 20 July 2025. Retrieved 20 July 2025.