MSPs unanimously back principles of Police Scotland complaints reform bill

dailyrecord.co.uk:

MSPs have backed the general principles of a police complaints reform bill in a unanimous vote. The Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) Bill was designed in response to a review by former Lord Advocate Dame Elish Angiolini of the system.The Bill - if passed - would place a duty of candour on Police Scotland officers and the force itself in relation to complaints, while also allowing for some disciplinary hearings to be heard in public.A revision to be made by the Government will expand the duty of candour to police and Scottish Police Authority (SPA) staff.A police code of ethics would also be created, while the powers of the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) would be expanded.

MSPs unanimously backed the Bill at stage one on Tuesday.Speaking in Holyrood, Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: "The Bill was shaped by those who have had lived experience of the police complaints system, many of whom felt that the whole system was against them, that they became the victim and that there was no independent body to turn to."Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.