The Scottish Parliament

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Question reference: S7W-04302

Asked by: Katy Clark, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 29 October 2026

To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to work with Police Scotland and survivors to ensure trust in Scotland's police force, in light of reports that nearly 70% of Police Scotland officers currently suspended while under criminal investigation are accused of offences relating to violence against women.

The Scottish Government is clear that violence against women and girls is abhorrent and completely unacceptable, regardless of who the perpetrator is. Women must have confidence that allegations of abuse will be taken seriously, investigated rigorously and acted upon appropriately.

Building and maintaining public trust in policing is essential, particularly for women and survivors who need the confidence to come forward and report abuse. We will continue to work with Chief Constable Jo Farrell, Police Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority and wider partners to support robust action where concerns are identified and to ensure victims and survivors are at the centre of policing responses.

The Scottish Government has strengthened the framework for police accountability through the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Act 2025 and the Police Service of Scotland (Vetting) Regulations 2026, which introduced ongoing vetting throughout officers' careers and strengthened powers to manage risks and remove officers who cannot maintain vetting clearance. These reforms are designed to strengthen integrity, transparency and public confidence in policing.

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Question reference: S7W-04302

Answer