Police Scotland currently has 25 police officers suspended over allegations of sexual misconduct, the Sunday Mail can reveal.
Three complaints of rape and 18 of sexual assault by serving officers and police staff have also been made in just six months of last year.
A third set, a snapshot of figures for last July, showed that 132 police officers were facing criminal allegations at the time of which 45 had been suspended from duty.
The revelations which have been branded “deeply shocking” by women’s groups come after the conviction of Metropolitian Police firearms officer David Carrick.
Carrick, who admitted 49 sexual offences including 24 rapes across two decades, prompted renewed scrutiny of the vetting practices by police forces across the UK amid claims of sexism and misogyny.
Police Scotland confirmed the number suspended after a Freedom on Information request and separate figures, also obtained under FOI, revealed the rape and sexual assualt complaints between April and September last year.
Sandy Brindley, Chief Executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, said: “It’s deeply worrying that officers in Scotland are also under investigation for sexual violence.
“We need to see robust action from all police forces to work to rebuild this crucial trust.”
“Recent reports of the sexual violence committed over decades by a serving Met Police officer were really shocking.
“Questions about how this perpetrator was allowed to continue to assault and abuse women for years after allegations were first made must be answered.
“Cases like this, and other recent cases of racist and misogynistic conduct within the police force, make it harder for survivors to trust the police and come forward to report their experiences.”
Scottish Labour justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill said: “The horrific offences of David Carrick have been rightly condemned, but his conviction exposes a wider issue in the police.
“We must challenge violence against women and girls no matter where it appears.”
At a meeting last November of the Scottish Police Authority it was revealed that 410 sexual allegations were recorded between January 2017 and October 2021 against police officers and staff.
They included claims of sexual assault and inappropriate comments with 118 reports categorised as criminal and 44 officers either resigning or retiring during proceedings against them.
Davy Thompson, Campaign Director of White Ribbon Scotland, which educates men about violence against women said: “Police Scotland have done some ground-breaking work such as their ‘Don’t be That Guy’ campaign.
“It is important to ensure all that filters through and that those who engage in sexism and misogyny are identified.”
Police Scotland woud not provide further information on the details of the complaints.
The force confirmed: “A total of 25 police officers across Scotland are currently suspended in relation to allegations including a sexual element.”
Last week, Police Scotland announced plans for enhanced checks on its’ 22,000 officers and civilian workers.
Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “We are resolute in our determination to address sexism, misogyny and violence against women, within our organisation.
“Police Scotland has already strengthened vetting measures, introducing an additional check for new recruits just before they are sworn into office and we will commence a rolling programme to review vetting decisions this year.
“We have recently invested in our vetting team and take relevant action where concerns emerge.
“To further enhance our ability to safeguard our values and standards, all officers and staff will be checked against national systems, in line with work being taken forward in England and Wales.
“It is right policing is held to high standards. We will always support officers and staff acting with our values and standards at heart.
“Those who reject what we stand for don’t belong in Police Scotland.”
Carrick served as an armed officer in London with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.
His crimes spanned 2003 to 2020 and mostly took place in Hertfordshire, where he lived.
Meeting women on dating websites, Carrick would control what they wore, what they ate, where they slept and he even stopped some of them from speaking to their own children.
He was allowed to remain in the police despite previous allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment.
Last Monday, he pleaded guilty to six offences at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday.
Carrick had already admitted to 43 others in December and is due to be sentenced in February.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council asked all forces in England and Wales to carry out further vetting.
Shadow Justice Secretary Jamie Greene said:“I am relieved to hear that Police Scotland have belatedly decided to check staff against the national database in the wake of the horrific crimes of Met officer David Carrick.
“I’ve been calling for this for a while and it’s a welcome step – but far too late because there has long been a problem with sexual misconduct in Scottish policing.”
“Many brave female officers have spent years recounting their experiences of sexist bullying and a boys’ club culture
“We need an independent body set up to investigate complaints.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
