Glasgow Police Use of Force - Request & Complaints

Public Safety Scotland 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

Glasgow, Scotland residents can request Police Scotland policies on use of force and file complaints about incidents in the city. This guide explains official request routes, who enforces standards, how to escalate concerns, and where to find forms and contact details. It covers making Freedom of Information or subject-access requests for published policies, submitting complaints to Police Scotland, and when to involve the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC). Use the steps below to request documents, preserve evidence, and pursue review or appeal.

How to request a use-of-force policy or report

To obtain Police Scotland guidance or internal policies on use of force, use the force's access-to-information and freedom-of-information procedures. For incidents, collect date, time, location, officer details and any reference numbers before you submit a request or complaint.

  • Submit an FOI or information request via Police Scotland's Access to Information page[1].
  • Report an incident to Police Scotland local divisions by phone or in person; keep incident or crime numbers.
  • Preserve evidence: photos, video, witness contacts and medical records if applicable.
Make requests and complaints as soon as possible to preserve evidence and ensure timely handling.

When to contact the PIRC or independent bodies

If you believe the use of force caused death, serious injury, or criminality, or you are dissatisfied with Police Scotland's handling of your complaint, you can contact the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) to request an independent review or investigation. The PIRC website explains its remit and how to refer matters to it.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Use-of-force matters are not addressed through municipal fines; instead, enforcement and sanctions are carried out through police disciplinary, criminal or civil processes. Specific monetary fines for use-of-force violations are not specified on the cited pages. Below is how enforcement typically operates and where to find official complaint and review pathways.

  • Enforcer: Police Scotland handles operational discipline and internal misconduct procedures; serious or independent investigations may be conducted by the PIRC.
  • Sanctions: Possible outcomes include misconduct proceedings, criminal charges, operational restrictions, dismissal, or civil claims (specific sanctions are not itemised on the cited pages).
  • Fines: Monetary penalties specific to use-of-force incidents are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Escalation: Initial complaint handled by Police Scotland Professional Standards Department; serious incidents may be referred to PIRC for independent investigation.
  • Inspection & complaints pathway: Submit complaints to Police Scotland or request PIRC review; contact details are on the official pages cited below.
  • Appeals & reviews: If unhappy with Police Scotland's response, ask for review and then refer to PIRC; specific statutory time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages, so act promptly.
Criminal charges or misconduct findings are determined case-by-case and follow formal investigation procedures.

Applications & Forms

Official request and complaint forms are available from Police Scotland and PIRC. For access-to-information or FOI requests use Police Scotland's access pages; for independent complaints or requests for review use the PIRC guidance and forms. If a specific form name or number is required by either body it is provided on their official pages.[1][2]

Action steps

  • Step 1: Record facts—date, time, location, officer identifiers and witnesses.
  • Step 2: Request policy documents via Police Scotland's Access to Information routes[1].
  • Step 3: File a complaint with Police Scotland Professional Standards; ask for a complaint reference.
  • Step 4: If dissatisfied or case involves serious injury or death, refer to PIRC for independent review[2].
  • Step 5: Seek legal advice if considering civil action or if criminal charges may apply.

FAQ

How do I request Police Scotland's use-of-force policy?
Submit an access-to-information or FOI request through Police Scotland's official access pages; include specific document names or date ranges when possible.[1]
How do I complain about an officer's use of force in Glasgow?
File a complaint with Police Scotland Professional Standards. If you are unhappy with the outcome or the matter is serious, you can ask the PIRC to review or investigate.[2]
What remedies are available?
Remedies can include misconduct proceedings, criminal investigation, operational sanctions or civil claims; specific fines are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Gather incident details, witness contact information and any recordings.
  2. Use Police Scotland's Access to Information page to request policy documents and guidance[1].
  3. Submit a formal complaint to Police Scotland Professional Standards with your evidence and request a complaint reference.
  4. If unresolved or serious, contact PIRC to request independent review or investigation[2].
  5. Consider legal advice for civil action or judicial review if required.

Key Takeaways

  • Request policies via Police Scotland's official access-to-information routes.
  • Complaints are handled by Police Scotland; serious cases may be investigated independently by PIRC.

Help and Support / Resources

    Categories

    General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data