Inspection to be carried out into use of Police Scotland’s firing ranges

Police Scotland has commissioned an inspection of its firearms ranges amid claims they have been used illegally.

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins and Superintendent Kirk Kinnell were among officers suspended last month for allegedly using a firing range at Jackton, East Kilbride for unauthorised purposes.

It has also been claimed that members of the Scottish Police Authority board were allowed to shoot weapons at the range.

The firing range should only be used in controlled cir- 0 Bernard Higgins suspended for allegedly using firing range cumstances by authorised officers.

In an update to the SPA, Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said an assurance inspection would be carried out by the College of Policing for England and Wales.

The report states: “Police Scotland will cooperate fully with the College of Policing to ensure the assurance inspection is undertaken in an efficient and timeous manner.

“It is anticipated that work will conclude in the early part of the New Year and further updates will be provided to the [SPA] board thereafter.”

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) is currently looking at a number of anonymous allegations of criminality against serving officers.

The officers involved have denied any wrongdoing.