PIRC Annual Report & Accounts 2023-2024
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24.
The PIRC Annual Report highlights the achievements of PIRC over the 10 years since it was created as well as its accomplishments and performance over the last 12 months.
Scotland’s police oversight body carried out more than 800 investigations and handled almost 3000 complaint reviews since it first launched in 2013.
It also made more than 3000 recommendations of which 97% have been implemented.
The figures - published in PIRC’s Annual Report today – also show a rising caseload across the decade as the organisation’s remit has expanded. In 2023-24, PIRC:
- Assessed 834 referrals and conducted 151 investigations compared to 251 referrals and 40 investigations in 2013-14.
- Received 260 applications for Complaint Handling Reviews (CHRs) which included 1,346 separate Heads of Complaints (HoC) compared to just 600 HoCs in 2013-14.
- Assessed for investigation 99% of all incidents involving police within five working days against its annual target of 90% - and achieved the same turnaround for all CHR applications.
Commissioner Michelle Macleod said: “Over the past 10 years, we have sought to increase public trust and confidence through independent scrutiny of police actions and by promoting continuous improvement.
“The scope of our work has increased substantially while investigations have also grown more complex and protracted. Despite the increasing workload, I am pleased to report that we are exceeding our strategic objectives.
“Looking ahead, PIRC’s strategic objectives will require to be delivered alongside new legislative provisions extending the current powers and responsibilities of PIRC that will arise from the implementation of the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill.”
The Annual Report also highlights:
- Investigations into the use of force on children and vulnerable people.
- The outcome of the digital transformation project and the launch a new website - shortlisted for a Star Marketing Award.
- Recommendations that have altered police practices or processes.
The Commissioner said: “I will conclude my tenure early next year. It has been an absolute privilege to serve with the support of a committed and dedicated team at PIRC.”
Notes to editors
For further information on proposed major changes to our statutory responsibilities: Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill
Ms Macleod will retire as Commissioner in February 2025 after almost six years in the role and an extensive career that saw her work as a prosecutor for COPFS for 21 years.