Senior officer in clear over claims
A TOP police officer has been cleared of criminal conduct after he faced damaging allegations.
Assistant Chief Constable Bernie Higgins had been accused of illegal discharge of firearms at a firing range, along with other claims.
Mr Higgins was at the time in charge of armed policing and the force’s response to the terror threat.
He was suspended last year after the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) sent reports to the Scottish Police Authority and Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service alleging misconduct and gross misconduct.
Mr Higgins, who denies all allegations against him, returned to work in March while a Scottish Police Authority investigation was still ongoing. He was cleared of any wrongdoing two months later.
Among the allegations he faced were that he conspired to ‘bury’ an allegation of theft made against another officer.
Mr Higgins was also accused of discharging firearms without proper authority at Police Scotland’s firing range in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, which could be a criminal offence.
Yesterday, the COPFS announced it would not be pursuing criminal proceedings against Mr Higgins.
A spokesman said: ‘After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, Crown Counsel has instructed there should be no criminal proceedings at this time.’
Mr Higgins’ lawyer, Callum Anderson, said: ‘ACC Higgins cooperated with the investigation and provided a full account at the earliest opportunity. He has always maintained his actions were lawful.’