More than 80 officers in Scotland are being investigated over alleged sexual misconduct and racism.
This follows a report released last week, which claimed the Metropolitan Police in London were misogynistic and racist. Incidents ranged from inappropriate comments to sexual assault, reports the Daily Record.
Sandy Brindley, chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, said: “Making the decision to report a sexual crime can be difficult.
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"It is not made easier by the prospect the person you are reporting it to could themselves be a perpetrator. Nothing less than zero tolerance of sexual misconduct from Police Scotland is good enough.”
Another 29 police officers are being probed over racism, with three suspended and two put on restricted duties. The complaints are believed to include allegations of racially aggravated conduct.
The sexual misconduct and rape cases are being probed by Police Scotland’s Professional Standards Unit and some could lead to criminal proceedings. A report last month found more than half of sexual misconduct complaints against officers in Scotland – 63 per cent – related to incidents while on duty.
Scottish Labour justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill said the complaints system must be “transparent and robust”.
Scottish Conservative MSP Russell Findlay said the figures are “evidence the scandal of sex offenders in the ranks is just as much a Police Scotland problem as it is elsewhere”.
Last week’s 363-page report into the Met by Baroness Casey said the the force could be dismantled if it does not improve. She was reviewing the force’s culture after the rape and murder of Sarah Everard by police officer Wayne Couzens in 2021.
In 2014 Kevin Storey, an ex-officer in Scotland, was convicted of eight charges of rape, attempted rape, assault and indecent assault. He was sentenced to 12 years, cut to nine on appeal. In November Inspector Gerard Friel, 52 – accused of racially abusing a colleague – walked free after a sheriff ruled the messages were 'banter'.
Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor admitted the force 'is not immune from racism, sexism, misogyny and discrimination'. She added: “We have strengthened recruitment and vetting, we are providing new equality and inclusion education for all officers and we are investing in leaders to equip them with the tools to build teams which reflect our values.”
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