The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Police officer could face action over Brexit tweet
A Scottish Police Federation (SPF) chief who branded pro-Brexit voters “slightly thick and slightly racist muppets” is facing possible disciplinary action from the force.
David Hamilton, vicechairman of the federation, has been investigated by a standards watchdog due to the political nature of his tweets.
His language appeared to breach Police Scotland’s code of ethics that all officers “will show respect for all people and their beliefs, values, cultures and individual needs”.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves, head of Police Scotland’s Professional Standards Department, said: “We received a number of complaints in relation to a tweet posted by a serving police officer.
“These complaints have been upheld.
“The matter has now been referred for assessment under the Police Service of Scotland (Conduct) Regulations.”
Mr Hamilton had said: “The Brexit Dream is Dying – Finally!
“How about we wake up, forget the whole idea and just get on with being good Europeans rather than listening to the slightly thick and slightly racist muppets who took us here and who now cling on to some bizarre Victorian Imperialist fantasy.”
Mr Hamilton is a serving officer and full-time official at the SPF.
His Twitter profile previously stated his position at the organisation. However, any reference to this role has now been removed.