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Police Officers across Scotland have been suspended or have duties restricted following allegations of rape, stalking and sexual assault.
An exclusive by The Scotsman revealed that at least 13 police officers have been suspended after being accused of such crimes. The figures also reveal that the more police officers are suspended over breaking data protection rules and committing other crimes.
According to the figures, two out of every five suspensions relate to data protection with 140 officers currently on suspended duties as a result of the accusations. Other accusations include incidents of assault, theft, public indecency, domestic abuse and having inappropriate images on their computer .
David Kennedy, conduct secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Many of these cases will be from when the officer was off-duty. In general, there are a lot more historical cases being looked at, quite rightly. They are being more robust and in-depth than they have been in the past.”
Deputy Chief Constable Neil Richardson said: “Within Police Scotland there are currently 13 suspended officers which is a low number given the size of our organisation, but I recognise that where serious allegations are made against a police officer there will naturally be a level of public concern.
“Suspension is a tool of last resort and is only used where it is appropriate and justifiable. Complaints about the police and the conduct of officers and staff are closely scrutinised from a number of quarters, including the Scottish Police Authority.”
If you have been accused of any such crime in Scotland and require criminal defence, or if you have been a victim of any crime such as assault or domestic abuse, contact us today to find out how our team of criminal lawyers can help.
