Officers in ‘criminal behaviour’ allegations
FIVE police officers are being investigated over allegations of criminal behaviour before a man was murdered. Three were suspended and two placed on restricted duties following the death of Frederick McGettigan, 51.
The exact nature of the accusations against the officers cannot be revealed for legal reasons.
But Police Scotland’s Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone confirmed the claims are being probed by the force’s watchdog.
Mr Livingstone – in charge while chief constable Phil Gormley is on special leave amid bullying allegations – said: ‘The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has asked the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) to carry out an investigation into alleged criminality on the part of officers who are not involved in the murder inquiry.
‘Police Scotland will cooperate fully with the investigation.
‘I’ve suspended three officers from duty and placed two further officers on restricted duties.
‘As an investigation is now under way, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment.’
Mr McGettigan was found dead at a flat in Auchinairn, near Glasgow, on August 9. A 49-year-old man has appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court in connection with his murder.
The PIRC said a probe into the officers’ conduct had begun.
A spokesman said: ‘We’re investigating the potential criminal actions of officers of Police Scotland prior to the murder of Frederick McGettigan.
‘The investigation will also consider the actions of officers during the initial stages of the murder investigation.’
The Crown Office referred the allegations to the watchdog.
Meanwhile, the PIRC is also handling three complaints of alleged bullying again Mr Gormley.
It emerged last week that Mr Gormley is facing a third high-level investigation over bullying allegations.
Inspector Aimee Canavan’s complaint against Mr Gormley was passed from the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) to the PIRC, which may launch a ‘misconduct’ investigation.
Mr Gormley is on ‘special leave’ amid growing speculation he may not return to the top job.
Last week, Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said this development ‘will do nothing for the public’s confidence in the running of Police Scotland’.
He said: ‘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.’
While the claim from Inspector Canavan relates to ‘misconduct’, the PIRC could escalate the claim to gross misconduct following its investigation.
Last month, it emerged that another bullying complaint from Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham is being probed by PIRC.
Superintendent Graham McInarlin, who worked in Mr Gormley’s staff office, also made a complaint in late July about the chief’s behaviour. PIRC is still probing that claim.
‘Suspended three officers from duty’