A new HMICS report has raised concerns over the length of time it takes for conduct and disciplinary investigations into Police Scotland officers and staff to conclude.
Responding to the report, Association of Scottish Police Superintendent President Chief Superintendent Rob Hay said: “ASPS members are held to some of the highest standards of professional accountability anywhere in public service.
“Superintendents and Chief Superintendents operate under significant scrutiny, with clear expectations around ethics, candour, integrity and leadership.
“Against that backdrop, it is important that conduct arrangements at every level of policing command are seen to be fair, transparent and consistent.
“HMICS has identified a number of areas where the current arrangements relating to senior officer – Assistant Chief Constables and above – conduct would benefit from improvement, particularly around referral practices, record keeping, reporting processes and oversight.
“The most powerful people within the organisation cannot be the least accountable. These are important issues for public confidence, as well as for officers and staff within the service.”
Rob added: “A number of the themes identified in this report reflect concerns that have been raised previously, including within Lady Angiolini’s review. It is therefore encouraging that HMICS has set out clear recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency, consistency and independent assurance.
“We welcome the report’s recommendations calling for improved audit trails, clearer whistleblowing arrangements, mandatory reporting of allegations involving senior officers and greater independent oversight.
“Confidence in any conduct system depends upon people believing that concerns raised will be handled appropriately, proportionately and without undue influence.
“We believe the report provides an opportunity to improve confidence and strengthen processes for everyone involved. We hope it creates a catalyst for change and brings fresh thinking into this crucial area.
“The overwhelming majority of police officers and staff serve Scotland with integrity and professionalism every day. Maintaining public confidence requires conduct arrangements that are robust, transparent and capable of commanding trust at every level of policing leadership.
“ASPS will now consider the report in detail and engage constructively with the Scottish Government, the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland to support meaningful and lasting improvement.”