Chief constable plans to meet Bayoh family ahead of public inquiry

POLICE: Senior officer says staff will ‘fully engage’ with process into death of Fife man

Scotland’s most senior police officer says he plans to meet the family of Sheku Bayoh.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone was speaking to a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority.

He gave an update on the forthcoming public inquiry into Mr Bayoh’s death in Kirkcaldy in 2015, and the force’s involvement with the hearing.

Mr Livingstone says his staff will engage “fully” with the process.

It follows a decision by the lord advocate not to take any criminal action against the officers involved in restraining Mr Bayoh.

Mr Livingstone said: “The important work of the public inquiry will clearly be a matter of significant public interest and attention, and I am committed to supporting all those who have been affected by Sheku Bayoh’s death following this time.

“In this regard, I intend to meet with officers involved in the incident, as well as members of Sheku Bayoh’s family, in the coming days and weeks.

“It is vital that the inquiry provides clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Mr Livingstone says it is important the public has the confidence of his officers.

He continued: “I am committed to relentlessly improving how we reflect, represent, engage and serve our communities, to ensure that our 23,000 officers and staff uphold the values of human rights, fairness, integrity and respect.

“On occasions where individuals do not reflect those values, we consistently take appropriate and proportionate and relevant action.

“However, what I see every day in the work of our officers and staff across Scotland, are brave, professional and compassionate people dedicated to public service. The high quality of service they provide around the clock, against increasing and new demands, is real and is impressive.”

He also had this warning: “It is right that we now await confirmation of the details and terms of reference of the public inquiry, and of course, I fundamentally undertake unconditionally that Police Scotland will engage fully with that process.

“The inquiry will last for a considerable period of time and will be demanding for all involved, and the inquiry must run its course.

“It is vital that the role of the public inquiry, and the independence of the public inquiry, is respected.”

Picture: PA. Sheku Bayoh died in Kirkcaldy in 2015.