He stated that prejudice and bad behavior within the force is "rightly of great concern" and acknowledging the issues exist is vital for real change to happen.

He also stated that individual officers and staff are not racist or sexist, but the force needs to address gaps and challenge bias at every level to maintain and build confidence with all communities.

The statement is believed to be the first of its kind by a police chief and comes amid ongoing controversy about policing culture in the UK.

Sir Iain Livingstone, the outgoing Chief Constable of Police Scotland, has admitted that the force has institutional failures and discrimination, and has acknowledged that many people have been let down.

He stated that the force is guilty of both institutional racism and institutional discrimination, and has said that efforts to improve its culture are being held back by financial issues and pressure on frontline resources.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has said that the problems in Police Scotland are "systemic" and that the complaints processes are not fit for purpose, and has urged the SNP government to deliver extra resources for the force and to provide extra protection for whistleblowers.

Aamer Anwar, a human rights lawyer, has praised Sir Iain's statement as a "testament to families and all those struggles fought by the victims of racial violence and injustice".