No comment on alleged transfer of detectives

TAYSIDE POLICE yesterday refused to specifically comment on claims that two senior detectives had been transferred out of its drugs squad as a result of investigations into its activities.

The force said it would not disclose detailed reasons for officers being moved to different posts, although it did not rule out the possibility that some senior officers have been transferred from the drugs squad.

The Courier this week revealed that two officers have been charged in relation to assault in connection with the work of the squad, which was first the subject of an internal investigation and is now being probed by a team from Grampian Police.

We have also received information that two senior detectives involved in the squad’s leadership have been shifted to other duties as a result of the internal investigation or the ongoing inquiry.

A spokesman for the force said: “Tayside Police is undergoing significant reorganisation as it prepares for a single Scottish police service.

“This has resulted in structural changes and in some cases the movement of officers at various ranks.

“Aside from these changes, police officers are frequently transferred between roles, both as part of their continuous professional development and as demand dictates.’’

On Monday Tayside Police said “matters of concern” had been identified about the working practices of certain individuals in the drugs squad in its own investigation and, following discussions with the Procurator Fiscal, requested that a neighbouring force conduct an independent investigation.

It had been discovered that procedures were not being properly followed and corners were allegedly being cut by members of the drugs squad and this had the potential to compromise prosecutions and ultimately justice.