Case points to disarray at all levels of police

Sir, – Regarding the recent departure of Chief Constable Phil Gormley from Police Scotland following a lengthy period of leave, there are several areas of concern.

Firstly, given the inquiry into the allegations against the chief constable had not been concluded, there should have been no question of him returning to duty until it was properly completed.

This is particularly important in a case such as this, where the complainers and the person complained of are working in close proximity.

That his early return to duty was contemplated shows a complete lack of common sense on the part of the Scottish Police Authority.

It is a moot point as to whether or not the justice secretary exceeded his authority to prevent that, but in this instance his decision was the correct one.

As far as the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner is concerned, there seems to be a complete lack of urgency in evidence gathering and collating.

This in turn begs the question: who is leading these inquiries?

One would have thought there would be relatively few witnesses in each of these complaints, so bringing the inquiry to an early conclusion ought to be possible.

As things stand, the inquiry has been terminated as a result of Mr Gormley’s resignation.

This is an error, as there is grave public disquiet over the conduct both of the chief constable and the way the inquiry has been conducted.

The inquiry ought to have been allowed to continue until it reached its natural end, with its findings in the public domain.

This would be to the benefit of all concerned, and particularly to the reputation of Police Scotland as an organisation.

It seems apparent that it is not only Police Scotland but also the PSA and PIRC that are in need of urgent reform.

The levels of delay and bad decision-making in this case point to both organisations being in a state of complete disarray.

George Thomson.

44 Viewforth Place,

Pittenweem.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson MSP makes a ministerial statement to Parliament on Chief Constable Phil Gormley’s leave of absence in January. Mr Gormley has since resigned.