Scottish Human Rights Commission welcomes armed police policy review

The Scottish Human Rights Commission has welcomed the news that Police Scotland’s policy on arming police officers will be jointly reviewed by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.

Professor Alan Miller, Chair of the Commission, said: 

“The Commission welcomes the news that Police Scotland’s changed policy on arming police officers will be scrutinised by HMICS and the Scottish Police Authority. We have been clear in our view that any change to police policy or practice that increases the presence of lethal weapons on Scotland’s streets should only happen with extreme caution, appropriate scrutiny and meaningful dialogue with the public about the impact of those changes. We are particularly pleased that the review will focus on issues around public engagement and consultation in the decision-making process and that people will be able to contribute to its work through public hearings. 

“The Commission will contribute to the review in any way possible and will study its findings in due course. There are important lessons to be learned from this issue for all concerned with policing in Scotland and we look forward to working with Police Scotland and others, through Scotland’s National Action Plan for Human Rights, to embed better protection of human rights within police structures and culture.”