INDEPENDENT watchdog the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner is a year old.

The body was set up following the creation of the single national force, Police Scotland, in April 2013.

Current commissioner, Professor John McNeill, is responsible for handling complaints and holding the force to account.

Members of the public who wish to make a non-criminal complaint can contact the commissioner but only after allowing the relevant police body to investigate the complaint first.

The commissioner is responsible for investigating certain matters involving the police when directed to do so by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Chief Constable or the Scottish police Authority.

These include deaths in police custody and offences committed by police officers.

He can also investigate allegations of misconduct by a senior police officer if the Scottish Police Authority requests him to.

For more information go online to www.pirc.scotland.gov.uk.