Role of PIRC and CAAPD
We'll automatically refer certain serious complaints or incidents to the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner.
They include:
- direct or indirect contact with the police being the cause of, or contributory to, the death or serious injury of a person
- police officers have used a firearm, including the presentation of a gun and the discharge of a Taser or PAVA incapacitant spray.
Where there is an indication that a crime may have been committed, Professional Standards Department will contact the Criminal Allegations Against [the] Police Division of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to advise them.
CAAPD may advise further investigation action or enquiry to be undertaken or may refer the matter to PIRC to investigate.
If your complaint is about an “on duty” criminal assault by a police officer or member of staff, Police Scotland will record the complaint and refer it to PIRC for assessment and investigation in consultation with CAAPD.
Once the investigation into your criminal complaint has been completed, the circumstances will be reported to the CAAPD.
CAAPD staff will investigate the criminal allegations reported by Professional Standards or PIRC and decide if any action will be taken against the Police Scotland officer or staff member. They will write to you to inform you of their decision.
Further information can be obtained from the Police Independent Review Commissioner website at or the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service website.