Accusations should have been discussed in the open, not behind closed doors

Sir, – I read in The Courier that the anonymous complaints and allegations by “the loyal staff of Tayside Police” were, after examination by the area’s Joint Police Board, deemed to have no foundation.

This was the predictable response from a group of councillors who, by this whitewash alone, are not fit for purpose. Justice is not being served in Tayside.

Even if the accusations were unfounded, they should have been discussed in an open forum rather than behind closed doors by those with a vested interest. Alternatively they should be investigated by an independent agency.

This board sat only 12 days after the dossier was reported in a Courier article. Some might say that these accusations were dis- missed in indecent haste in order to “move on”.

Amongst the allegations, it was said by Mr Black, board convener, was one that had been investigated earlier and discovered to be without foundation.

Now there’s a clue – the anonymous complainants were actually making, amongst others, a complaint that previously the clerk to the board had investigated and found to have no foundation.

Obviously the anonymous complainants were unhappy with this finding and had no confidence in the impartiality of the board. Surely this is the reason that they sent their dossier to The Courier. Robert Alexander. Bothy Starforth, Panmure, Carnoustie.