One of Scotland's most senior police officers faces accusations of making discriminatory remarks during a promotion feedback session. Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs allegedly told a chief superintendent that he was "too white, too male, too middle-aged" for the role he was seeking.
The chief superintendent, who did not receive the promotion, lodged a complaint with the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), the civilian oversight body for policing in Scotland. The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS) is supporting the officer.
Internal Review and External Scrutiny
The SPA's complaints and conduct committee reviewed the allegations but did not uphold the complaint. However, the ASPS intends to challenge this decision, asserting that the claim can be corroborated. The association plans to raise the matter with Justice Secretary Neil Gray.
A former superintendent, Martin Gallagher, criticized Police Scotland's focus on diversity, suggesting that capable officers are being overlooked due to their race. "If this is what is happening at the most senior levels of policing, I am sure it is not hard to imagine how this approach is perverting the entire system of advancement in the service," Gallagher stated.
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Stephen Kerr commented on the allegations, saying, "Any allegation that internal decisions could be taken in this manner will raise fresh questions about the culture within Police Scotland."
This situation follows a separate allegation made against Speirs last month, involving accusations of sexual harassment by a female civilian worker who has initiated an employment tribunal. Speirs has previously stated his commitment to eliminating bias and discrimination within the force.
Police Scotland directed inquiries to the SPA, which declined to comment on the case. An ASPS spokesperson confirmed they are "supporting a member who has raised a complaint regarding their treatment by a senior officer."