Welcome to the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) review on the use of the new emergency police powers within Scotland

Message from John Scott QC, Chair of the IAG

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is the biggest global challenge that humanity has faced for generations. In an effort to tackle the disease, police officers were given unprecedented new powers to stop the spread of the virus.

The three main powers the police were given were:

• To take someone home or take them to be tested if they were thought to be infectious.
• To close a wide range of non-essential businesses.
• To restrict people's rights to move around in public or be part of a gathering.

The main task of the IAG is to examine the way Police Scotland has used its new powers and the impact this has had on people’s attitudes and behaviours.  

The IAG is keen to hear the experiences and views of members of the public in Scotland in relation to the policing of the pandemic since the start of the lockdown period which began on 23 March 2020.  

To find out more Independent Advisory Group: Coronavirus powers

Email: COVID19IndependentAdvisoryGroup@spa.pnn.police.uk

The IAG will be reporting monthly at the public Scottish Police Authority meetings.