Police chief facing third probe over claims of bullying
SCOTLAND’S chief constable is facing a third high-level investigation over bullying allegations.
Inspector Aimée Canavan’s complaint against Phil Gormley has been passed from the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) to the body in charge of probes involving top officers.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC), led by former prosecutor Kate Frame, is examining the claims and may launch a ‘misconduct’ investigation.
Mr Gormley is off on ‘special leave’ amid growing speculation that he may not return to the top job – which is now being carried out by his deputy, Iain Livingstone.
Last night, Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: ‘This development will do nothing for the public’s confidence in the running of Police Scotland.
‘The impact on the morale of hardworking officers, particularly at a time when they are under so much operational pressure, is unacceptable.
‘The crisis of leadership at the top of Police Scotland needs to be sorted as quickly as possible, for the good of the officers, the public and the reputation of the force.’
The SPA said if the latest allegations against Mr Gormley were proven, they would amount to misconduct.
A spokesman added: ‘Complaint and conduct matters are confidential. The SPA will not provide further comment on this case at this time.’
Mr Gormley, who took over the top job in Scottish policing in January 2016, went on ‘special leave’ earlier this month.
Inspector Canavan’s complaint was sent to the SPA for initial assessment in late August and yesterday it was passed to PIRC. It is understood that Mr Gormley, who denies the claims, is accused of shouting at her in a busy office full of colleagues.
The claim from Inspector Canavan relates to ‘misconduct’, but PIRC could escalate the claim to gross misconduct following investigation.
Earlier this month it emerged that another bullying complaint from Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham is being investigated by PIRC.
Superintendent Graham McInarlin, who worked in Mr Gormley’s staff office, made a complaint in late July about the chief’s behaviour, which allegedly included shouting and swearing. PIRC is still probing that claim.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘The position of the Chief Constable is a matter for the SPA.
‘There is a statutory process which provides for independent investigation.’