The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) is an independent public body and the primary governance body for policing in Scotland. Established in 2013 under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012, it works separately from both the Scottish Government and policing. Its purpose is to promote public trust and confidence through accountable, proportionate and transparent oversight.

The SPA sets strategy, holds the Chief Constable to account, reviews and reports on policing performance, and supports continuous improvement across the service. It also listens to the public and partners, and publishes research, evidence, briefings and insights on issues affecting policing in Scotland. Alongside its governance and scrutiny work, the Authority manages and delivers Forensic Services in Scotland and operates Independent Custody Visiting Scotland, a scheme involving volunteers who visit people held in custody.

The SPA provides public information through board and committee meetings, publications and a publication scheme, and explains how to raise complaints about policing and where to direct them