Up to 50 Police Scotland officers suspended over abuse allegations

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 20:37 · Archive

Up to 50 serving Police Scotland officers are suspended over allegations of violence against women and girls while investigations continue.

Police Scotland has suspended between 40 and 50 serving officers over allegations of violence against women and girls. Freedom of information data shows 63 staff members are currently suspended amid ongoing criminal investigations, comprising 45 constables, six sergeants and two inspectors, though details of individual cases have not been disclosed.

The Daily Mail reported that domestic abuse, sex crimes and stalking account for almost seven out of ten allegations against suspended officers, with 26 accused of domestic abuse-related offences, nine of sexual offences and two of stalking. Other allegations include assault, disorder, drugs offences, fraud and inappropriate messaging. All suspended officers remain on full pay, with the longest-running suspension dating back to 2020.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell said investigations are at various stages and she expects further officers to face sanctions. She told the BBC: 'My focus is on identifying where there is wrongdoing, criminality, particularly in relation to violence against women and girls, and if that has been committed by our officers and our staff, that we identify it and we ensure that those people feel the full force of the law.'

The suspensions follow high-profile cases including the conviction in September of former officer Campbell Petrie of two rapes and other sexual offences over a 17-year period. Police Scotland is also investigating former PC Alan Greer, who died in May after arrest on allegations of sexual violence; a BBC investigation found he was a serial rapist who attacked women over 14 years.

New vetting regulations introduced earlier this year make it easier to remove officers deemed unsuitable. Between 300 and 400 officers have so far been re-vetted under these rules, with about 8,000 still to undergo the process. David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said the figures reflect wider societal trends.

How it is being reported

• 45 serving officers suspended over allegations of violence against femalesPolice Scotland chief constable Jo Farrell also said 8,000 officers are still to be revetted for their roles following a change in regulations.Evening Standard · 8 Oct, 18:30
• Police Scotland confirm up to 50 officers suspended over alleged crimes against womenPolice Scotland has confirmed that up to 50 of its serving officers have been suspended over alleged crimes against women. Chief Constable Jo Farrell said new rules were being put in place to “exit people” deemed unsuitable for the force. Police Scotland has 63 staff members suspended amid ongoing criminal investigations, according to figures released under freedom of information laws. The total includes 45 constables, six sergeants and two inspectors, although details of the individual cases have not been disclosed. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Chief Constable Farrell said between 300…GB News · 8 Oct, 14:29
• Up to 50 Scottish police officers suspended over alleged crimes against womenChief constable Jo Farrell says more officers are likely to be suspended as officers are re-vetted.BBC News · 8 Oct, 14:12
• Revealed: Seven in ten allegations against suspended police officers involve domestic abuse, sex crimes or stalkingDomestic abuse, sex crimes and stalking account for almost seven out of ten allegations against Police Scotland officers currently suspended while facing criminal investigation.Daily Mail · 6 Oct, 20:53

In this story: Police Scotland · Jo Farrell · Campbell Petrie · Alan Greer · Scottish Police Federation · Sarah Everard

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem