Police Investigations and Review Commissioner

Michelle Macleod has been re-appointed as the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC), the independent police scrutiny body. Her reappointment will commence on 17 August 2024.

The PIRC conducts independent investigations into serious incidents involving the police and independent scrutiny of the way in which policing organisations in Scotland, including Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority, respond to complaints from the public.

Michelle Macleod said:

“It is a privilege to be re-appointed as Commissioner. The last five years have seen significant change within PIRC and an extension of our role. I welcome the opportunity to continue to lead PIRC and work with committed and skilled colleagues in PIRC to increase public confidence in policing.”

Justice Secretary Angela Constance added:

“I am delighted that Michelle Macleod has accepted this term of re-appointment. The PIRC plays a key role in safeguarding the trust which the public have in their police service.

“She has displayed outstanding leadership in steering the organisation through a number of complex issues since her appointment in August 2019, as well as successfully managing the ever-increasing demands placed on the organisation.

“The reappointment of such an experienced and committed individual will ensure the organisation continues to provide robust scrutiny of the police.”

Background

The PIRC undertakes independent investigations into serious incidents involving the police. It also provides independent scrutiny of the way Police Scotland responds to complaints from the public. See the PIRC website for further details about its work.

The Commissioner is a Ministerial appointment. The legislation allows for reappointment for three years subject to satisfactory performance and provided certain legislative conditions have been met. The appointment is not subject to the regulated public appointments procedure although the spirit of the public appointments code was adhered to.

The current PIRC’s tenure in office was due to end 16 August 2024.