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Police Law
Scotland's Leading Firm for Police Law
PBW Law is ranked as the top Scottish firm for Police Law: Mainly Defendant in the Chambers UK directory — for the third consecutive year. Professor Peter Watson, Solicitor Advocate, holds an individual ranking in the same field, recognised as one of the most experienced litigators representing police officers in the UK.
We act for individual officers, police representative bodies, and related organisations across Scotland. Our team understands the unique pressures officers face — professionally and personally — when their conduct, fitness for duty, or career is under scrutiny, and we bring the judgment and discretion that comes from handling some of the most sensitive cases in Scottish policing.
How We Help Police Officers
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PIRC conduct proceedings — representation before the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner
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Misconduct hearings and Police Appeals Tribunal (PAT) appeals — defending officers' careers at every stage
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Vetting and re-vetting — including management vetting withdrawal and judicial review
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Fatal Accident Inquiries (FAIs) — representing officers, families, and public bodies
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Criminal defence — for on-duty and off-duty matters, from solemn indictments to summary complaints
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Pension forfeiture proceedings
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Public inquiries — engagement in national inquiries touching on policing and law enforcement
Recognised Nationally, Trusted Locally
Our standing in this field isn't accidental. Professor Peter Watson was one of the first solicitors in Scotland to qualify as a Solicitor Advocate and now serves as President of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences. Partner Pamela Rodgers has addressed national conferences on police re-vetting reforms and holds extended rights of audience in Scotland's highest criminal courts. Between them, our team has represented officers in some of the most complex fatal accident inquiries and misconduct proceedings in the country.
If you are an officer facing a conduct complaint, vetting decision, or criminal allegation — or a representative body seeking experienced counsel on behalf of your members — PBW Law is here to advise.