Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill
As introduced, this Bill would require the police to have a code of ethics, make changes relating to the handling of police conduct, increase the functions of the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner and introduce an advisory board for the Commissioner.
The Bill is at Stage 1
Contents
Stage 1 - General principles
Committees examine the Bill and gather views. They produce reports before MSPs debate the Bill in the Chamber. MSPs then decide on the purpose (“general principles”) of the Bill.
The Bill is at Stage 1
Committee Examination
The lead committee for this Bill is the Criminal Justice Committee
Find out more about this committee
Background research
A research briefing on the background to the Police (Ethics, Conduct & Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill and a review of police complaints systems in other jurisdictions.
Police Complaints Background Note by the Clerk (1MB, pdf) posted 26 June 2023
Criminal Justice Committee’s approach to the Bill
The Criminal Justice Committee has agreed its intended approach to scrutiny of the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1.
The Committee has issued a call for views, with a closing date for written submissions of Friday, 8 December 2023.
Following the closing date, the Committee will consider who to invite to provide oral evidence on the Bill.
The Committee is expected to begin oral evidence taking once its Stage 1 consideration of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill has concluded.
Please note that the above information is for planning purposes only and it is subject to change.
Submit your views
The Committee launched its call for views on 26 September 2023.
Timetable
The timetable that the committee followed while examining the Bill at Stage 1
Stage 1 deadline
On 1 November 2023, the Parliament agreed motion S6M-11046, that consideration of the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 be completed by 21 June 2024.
Who spoke to the lead committee in the Parliament
MSPs met with people in committee meetings to discuss what the Bill will do.
Minutes of 20 September 2023 (in private)
Correspondence
Committee correspondence sent and received while the Bill progressed through Parliament
Work by other committees
Finance and Public Administration Committee
Committee report
The lead committee will publish its report following the Stage 1 debate.