Deaths in police custody in Scotland 'should be treated as urgently as homicides'

Investigations into deaths in police custody should be treated with the same urgency as homicide investigations, according to an independent review.

Sheku Bayoh died after being restrained by police in May 2015 while officers were responding to a call in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

In her report, Dame Elish Angiolini said any delay in such cases can add to the distress of families and have a severe adverse impact on police officers involved.

The 538-page review also recommends a significant increase in powers for watchdog the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc).

The aim of the review was to consider the current law and practice in relation to complaints handling, investigations and misconduct issues in relation to policing and to make recommendations for improvements.

Dame Elish said she is "acutely aware" of the death of Sheku Bayoh, who died after being restrained by police in May 2015 while officers were responding to a call in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

She said it would be "improper" for her to comment before a public inquiry into the death, which will be chaired by Lord Bracadale, is complete.

Aamer Anwar, solicitor for the family of Sheku Bayoh, said the review is a "devastating and damning indictment of a police complaint system not fit for purpose in a modern and democratic Scotland".

Pirc investigates deaths in police custody under the direction of the procurator fiscal department known as the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit.

The concluded investigation is then passed to the Crown for a decision on any potential criminal proceedings or a fatal accident inquiry.

In her review, Dame Elish said investigations involving death or serious injury in police custody are likely to be "amongst the most serious and complex cases the Pirc has to investigate" and they "clearly demand the highest priority in terms of resources and expertise of the organisation".

Dame Elish said she does not consider Pirc to be "toothless", but recommends a strengthening of its powers.

She said it should be redesignated as a commission comprising one police investigations and review commissioner and two deputy commissioners, with none of these positions to be held by a former police officer.

It should be made accountable to the Scottish Parliament, she added, though not for criminal matters.

The report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, says preliminary assessment of misconduct allegations made against senior police officers should be transferred from the Scottish Police Authority to Pirc to "enhance independent scrutiny of allegations, remove any perception of familiarity, avoid any duplication of functions or associated delay and give greater clarity around the process".

It recommends Pirc take on responsibility for the key stages of senior officer misconduct proceedings and that it should have the power to recommend suspension of a senior officer if he or she believes that not suspending the officer may prejudice an effective misconduct investigation.

Dame Elish also recommended the Scottish Government look at creating legislation that would allow gross misconduct proceedings against a police officer to continue or start even if they leave the police service.

She said she was "deeply concerned" by the experience of Police Scotland's black, Asian and minority ethnic officers.

She recommended an independent review into equality in Police Scotland.

Michelle MacLeod, of Pirc, welcomed the review and said it will carefully consider its findings, while the Scottish Police Authority said it will consider the report's recommendations in full.

Police Scotland has been asked for comment.