The police have a duty to uphold and enforce the law and maintain the peace.
The Police (Scotland) Act 1967 provides for the sharing of legal responsibility for policing between Scottish Ministers, police authorities and Chief Constables.
Appointed by the Police Authority under Section 4 of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967
Creating an environment where people feel safe in their homes and when going about their daily business
How to make a complaint about the police
Raising awareness, improving information and ensuring that women and children get support and protection
The Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency is a key component of the Executive's drugs strategy
Carries out independent inspections of police forces
Information and papers from the James Smart lectures
The Scottish Policing Performance Framework (SPPF) was first launched across Scotland in April 2007.
Most police powers and functions are devolved to the Scottish Parliament
Regulation of the private security industry in Scotland
Statutory basis for the authorisation and use by public authorities of covert surveillance