There is a poor understanding of the role of the Crown and the fiscal service in independently investigating all criminal allegations against police officers. The report recommends to chief constables a number of ways in which they can assist in promoting an understanding of the Crown's role. There is a limited awareness of the important role of HM Lay Inspector of Constabulary in reviewing complaints and inspecting the investigation process. The report seeks to improve awareness and recommends means by which the judgements reached by HMIC can be placed in the public domain. Police Authorities can provide local democratic oversight of the complaints process.
Most authorities find the task challenging.
HMIC suggests a number of means by which the effectiveness of the role of police authorities can be strengthened. There is too much mystery surrounding the police complaints process in Scotland. A comprehensive code of practice setting out the rights of complainers and police officers should be produced and published, circulated widely and made available on the internet. A significant number of complaints never make it into the official statistics and not all are investigated properly. HMIC recommends a new category of complaints intended to deal with the performance of a police force and similar issues not covered by the existing regulations.