Sheku Bayoh’s family welcomes ‘devastating and damning’ report

T he family of Sheku Bayoh have welcomed a “devastating and damning” report into how Police Scotland handles complaints, investigations and misconduct issues.

Lawyer Aamer Anwar said the findings of the independent review had uncovered a police complaints system not fit for purpose in a modern and democratic Scotland.

He said Mr Bayoh’s family were pleased to see a number of recommendations, including a call for a “broader, fundamental review” of equality matters within the force.

The family have now called for the Scottish Government to commit to the recommendations through legislative change.

Mr Bayoh died after being detained by police in Kirkcaldy in May 2015 and a public inquiry has been ordered into the circumstances of the case, including whether his race played any part in his death.

His family have raised a number of serious concerns in the wake of the incident, including why the officers involved were allowed to confer for several hours afterwards, why it took more than a month to give evidence to investigators and why those investigating the police were themselves former officers.

Mr Anwar said the Bayoh family had long believed the investigation had been fundamentally flawed and lacked impartiality and robustness.

One of the top concerns was why the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner ( Pirc), an independent body with powers equivalent to police, appeared powerless when it came to a death in custody.

“Why should those who claim to be the guardians of the law and order be allowed to pick a time and place to speak that suits them,” Mr Anwar said.

“In the case of Sheku it was 32 days before the restraint officers gave statements to the Pirc.

“The family and I we l come today ’s extremely robust review by a former Lord Advocate.

“A thorough and independent investigation of complaints against the police is essential in a democratic society.

“Nobody has escaped criticism as the former lord advocate delivers a devastating indictment of a police complaints system not fit for purpose.

“It will not make easy reading for Police Scotland’ s senior executive, who have tried to introduce transparency and accountability, but the reality on the ground is entirely different.

“The Bayoh family urge the Scottish Government to commit to recommendations of this review. There must be legislative change.”

Members of Sheku Bayoh’s family with Aamer Anwar.