New police investigations and review commissioner appointed

Michelle Macleod - Image credit: Scottish Government

A public prosecutor has been appointed as the new head of Scotland’s police watchdog.

Solicitor Michelle Macleod will take over from Kate Frame as the police investigations and review commissioner (PIRC) on 17 August 2019.

Macleod has been HM chief inspector of prosecution in Scotland since August 2013.

Before that she worked for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for 21 years, having joined in 1992 as a trainee.

She has held various roles across Scotland, including area procurator fiscal for Central and head of policy at Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal High Court East, where she was responsible for the investigation, prosecution and management of all High Court cases in the east of Scotland. 

Frame announced in February she was stepping down at the end of her five-year-term at the helm of PIRC, the body that carries out independent investigations into serious incidents involving the police.

Macleod said: “I am delighted to be taking up this appointment.

“The work of my predecessor, Kate Frame, has provided a strong foundation in improving standards and consistency of policing.

“I look forward to building on this and bolstering public confidence in policing in Scotland through robust and independent investigations of incidents involving the force.”

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf added: “The PIRC plays a key role in safeguarding the trust which the public have in their police service.

“I welcome the appointment of such an experienced and committed individual as Mrs Macleod who will build on the valuable work already carried out by Ms Frame.

“I am grateful to Ms Frame for the energy, commitment and service she has shown over the years and wish her well when she leaves in August.”