Chief: The probe system is not fair
Watchdog: Well, he would say that
A police chief investigated over alleged misconduct has criticised the way complaints about senior officers are handled.
Assistant Chief Constable Bernie Higgins returned to work in March after a four-month suspension linked to complaints about his conduct.
Writing as chairman of the Scottish Chief Police Officers Staff Association, he criticises the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), which refers complaints to PIRC.
ACC Higgins claims the current set-up “leads to allegations being assessed purely on the basis of what is written by the unknown author despite the senior officers offering full explanations in relation to the allegations.
“The SPA are of the view, based on legal opinion, that such explanations cannot be considered by them at an initial stage.
“This is patently unfair and has lead to senior officers being investigated for protracted periods on the basis of extremely vague allegations.
“In a number of cases it was clear that simple telephone calls would have proven the allegations were unfounded.”
He added: “It is singularly unclear as to the accountability of either the SPA or the PIRC as to the manner in which their investigations are conducted or the findings of any enquiry are considered.”
Responding, PIRC boss Kate Frame said: “The author was one of those we have investigated, which perhaps provides context for the tone of the submission.
“The practical reality was it was a complex investigation and could not, as suggested in the submission, be completed in a week.
“That is, frankly, disingenuous.”