The Government has published its bill to introduce a single police force in Scotland, which enshrines in statute the Chief Constable's current de facto control of policing in Scotland.

Police operations are currently not subject to Parliamentary Control.

The new Police and Fire (Reform) Bill proposes that the Chief constable is given statutory responsibility for the policing of Scotland.

"In particular, the chief constable has direction and control of the Police Service," the bill states.

The bill adds that the Chief Constable must "comply with any lawful instruction" given by the Lord Advocate, the Lord Justice General, or the sheriff principal.

The Parliament is given no role in overseeing the functions of the Chief Constable.

Last year Ian Hamilton QC raised concerns that the lack of control of the police posed a threat to freedom in Scotland, and criticised the Justice Minister for failing to condemn aggressive police tactics such as kettling, and the Lord Advocate for failing to take steps to prosecute individual police for acting outwith their authority.

"The greatest danger to our freedom comes from those who are there to protect it. The greatest danger to our freedom comes from the police,” he said.

The bill can be read here.