Police Scotland faces scrutiny over rising violent crime and prevention work
Police Scotland is facing a watchdog investigation into its handling of violent crime, as the force grapples with a significant surge in offences. His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) will examine whether the force effectively tackles violence, including work with repeat perpetrators and victims, early intervention and partnership approaches. The investigation comes at a time of widespread concern about rising violent crime affecting multiple areas of society.
In the past year, non-sexual violent crime rose 7 per cent, from 71,915 to 77,005 incidents. Total crime recordings reached 513,866—the highest figure in four years—with one crime recorded nearly every minute. Particularly alarming were a 40 per cent surge in murders and culpable homicides, alongside sharp rises in rape, violence and shoplifting, and a 19 per cent increase in domestic abuse crimes. The HMICS review is due to publish in spring 2026, with further targeted inspections possible if significant issues emerge.
- Police Scotland faces watchdog investigation into violent crime response as offences surge
- Non-sexual violent crime up 7%, murders up 40%, total crimes at four-year high
- HMICS review publishing spring 2026 will assess police strategies and partnerships
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Police Scotland has been dealing with a significant rise in violent crime. This includes murders, assaults, rape and domestic abuse, all of which have increased substantially in recent times. The force's approach to dealing with this problem—including work with repeat offenders, victim support and partnership working with other organisations—is now being examined by an independent watchdog.
The scale of the problem is striking. In the past year, non-sexual violent crime rose 7 per cent, with nearly 77,000 recorded incidents. Most notably, murders and culpable homicides increased by 40 per cent, alongside substantial rises in other violent crimes and domestic abuse.
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland is the independent body that oversees police forces' performance. The investigation matters because rising violent crime affects public safety and community trust in policing. The watchdog will report its findings in spring 2026, with further targeted inspections possible if substantial concerns emerge.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The alarming statistics—particularly the 40 per cent surge in murders and 19 per cent increase in domestic abuse crimes—represent a serious failure that demands stringent accountability. Police Scotland must be rigorously scrutinised on its prevention strategies, victim support, and partnership approaches; the force bears primary responsibility for tackling violent crime, and these rises indicate systemic deficiencies warranting thorough investigation to compel meaningful improvement and protect public safety.
The case against
Whilst the statistics are concerning, violent crime is multifactorial and extends well beyond police control; economic deprivation, substance abuse, mental health crises, and social inequality all drive violence rates significantly. The investigation should fairly consider whether Police Scotland has adequate resources for prevention work and recognise that increased crime reporting may reflect public confidence in the system. Solutions require whole-of-society engagement; attributing rising violence primarily to police performance risks disproportionate blame when broader systemic factors and resource constraints demand equal attention.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Watchdog will probe police response to violent crime”.