Domestic Abuse, Sex Crimes Lead Allegations Against Suspended Police Officers
Seven out of ten allegations against officers facing criminal investigation involve domestic abuse, sex crimes, or stalking.
Domestic abuse, sex crimes, and stalking constitute nearly 70% of allegations against Police Scotland officers who are currently suspended pending criminal investigations. The force reported that 53 officers are suspended, with 26 facing accusations related to domestic abuse, nine to sexual offenses, and two to stalking.
Other allegations encompass assault, disorder, drug offenses, and inappropriate messaging. All suspended officers remain on full pay, and the longest ongoing suspension dates back to 2020.
David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, stated that these figures reflect broader societal trends. "It's a worrying statistic, but unfortunately that is what's happening with society at the moment," he said.
The statistics, obtained by STV News through freedom of information requests, come amid increased scrutiny of Police Scotland due to several high-profile cases. In September, former officer Campbell Petrie was convicted of two rapes and other sexual offenses committed over a 17-year period. Police Scotland is also investigating alleged offenses by PC Alan Greer, who died in May following his arrest in connection with sexual violence allegations.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Houston affirmed the force's commitment to upholding standards, stating, "We work hard to uphold Police Scotland’s standards, values and integrity."