New head of independent police scrutiny body.
Laura Paton has been appointed as the next Police Investigations
and Review Commissioner.
Currently His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prosecution in
Scotland, Ms Paton will take up her role as Commissioner on 1
April 2025, for a five-year period.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) aims to
increase public confidence in policing through the independent
investigations into serious incidents involving all policing
bodies operating in Scotland and the way they respond to public
complaints, as well as promoting continuous improvement.
Ms Paton, will succeed the current Commissioner, Michelle Macleod
CBE, who retires on 14 February 2025 after almost six years
in the role. An Acting Commissioner will be appointed for the
short period between the appointments.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, said:
“The PIRC plays a vital role in safeguarding the trust the public
have in their police service.
“I am sure the extensive knowledge and experience of the justice
system that Laura Paton brings to the role will build on the
excellent work undertaken by Michelle Macleod CBE.
“I look forward to working with Ms Paton, as she drives the
organisation forward and ensures it delivers on the new
responsibilities contained within the recently passed Police
(Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill.
“I would also like to commend Ms Macleod for her dedicated
service and wish her well for the future.”
Ms Paton said:
“I am delighted to be taking up this appointment. The work of my
predecessor, Michelle Macleod CBE, has provided a robust
foundation in holding the police to account and improving
standards in policing. I look forward to further developing and
expanding the organisation's role over the coming years to
strengthen and reinforce public confidence in policing in
Scotland.”
Background
The PIRC website has
further details about its work.
The Commissioner is a Ministerial appointment. The appointment is
not subject to the regulated public appointments procedure
although the spirit of the public appointments code was adhered
to.
Ms Paton has many years' experience of scrutinising and
supporting improvement in public services, particularly in the
justice sector. She has a background in human rights law with a
particular focus on the rights of those involved in the criminal
justice system and the rights of children and young people. Ms
Paton has served as HM Chief Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland
since 2019, inspecting the service delivered by the Crown Office
and Procurator Fiscal Service, including how it manages criminal
allegations against the police and the quality of the service
provided to victims and witnesses. Previously, Ms Paton was
involved in the independent inspection of policing and places of
detention, including prisons and police custody.
