The report identifies "a new way forward"
|
A review of the way complaints against police are handled has been announced after a report said more needed to be done to modernise the system.
A report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary said "considerable progress" had already been made.
However, chief inspector Andrew Brown said there was still a perception that the system was in some way "unfair".
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said a group led by former lay inspector Jane Irvine would carry out the review.
The HMIC examined the progress made by Scottish police forces in addressing the recommendations in a report produced in 2000.
Serious misconduct
The new report said there should be a move away from the "one size fits all" approach which currently exists.
It said that the system should allow quick and effective
responses to minor complaints as well as the thorough investigation of criminal offences and serious misconduct.
It urged a move away from the "culture of blame" surrounding the complaints system and pressed for a review of current legislation.
Mr Brown said: "This report identifies the considerable progress that has been made by the Scottish police service in strengthening the existing framework for the
investigation of police complaints in Scotland.
"Despite the robust nature of the process, there are still perceptions that it is in some way unfair.
"To address that, and acknowledging the Scottish
Executive's commitment to establish an independent element in the police complaints process, the report identifies a new way forward."
Ms Jamieson admitted that more work needed to be done to modernise the complaints system and build public trust.
The multi-agency review group will include representatives from the police, Cosla and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS ).
Key recommendations
The minister said: "The executive has already pledged to set up a new independent police complaints body within the lifetime of this parliament.
"We will also work with police forces, Cosla and the COPFS to take forward many of the key recommendations in HMIC's report.
"Together these measures will help us create a modern police conduct and complaints system."
She promised a "more fair and open system for dealing with these issues - a system which encourages a move away from appointing blame for blame's sake, to one which enables people to learn from their mistakes and move on".
The Scottish National Party welcomed the review.
Justice spokeswoman Nicola Sturgeon said: "We must remove the perception that police complaints are not handled impartially."
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) added: "Community safety is a key priority for local government.
One-Minute World News
News services
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
These measures will help us create a modern police conduct and complaints system
