Scotland's police chief has been accused of snubbing one of her own top officers in a dispute over the delayed publication of a watchdog's report, the Mail can reveal.
Chief Constable Blocks Report
Chief Constable Jo Farrell was accused by the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS) of 'undermining public confidence' after stepping in to block the report at the last minute. Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) said His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMICS) should hold off until after polling day on May 7 before publishing the inquiry into the force's professional standards department.
Meeting Denied
ASPS president Rob Hay later went to a meeting with Ms Farrell at Tulliallan – the corporate headquarters of Police Scotland near Kincardine, Fife – to discuss the situation, but was told she would not see him. Unofficially, he was told it was because of ASPS's public criticism of her in the Mail.
The report, which is widely expected to be highly critical, was held up because of 'potential implications for proceedings that are currently ongoing', which is understood to refer to the case of Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors - who is subject to an ongoing bullying investigation.
Political Reaction
Last night Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: 'There must be transparency and accountability within the police service, but that also means that there must be honest engagement between the Chief Constable and her officers. Police Scotland have a difficult enough task as a result of the SNP's neglect, underfunding and skewed priorities without this kind of internal wrangling. Scots want to see them get on with the job of dealing with crime and ensuring public safety.'
Timeline of Events
The HMICS report on the handling of complaints and conduct issues was scheduled for release on March 17 – but Ms Farrell stepped in four days before to order a delay. Last month Mr Hay said he was 'concerned' the delay 'risks undermining public confidence in the independence and transparency of the assurance process'. He added: 'Transparency... is essential to support improvement and maintain confidence in the system of police accountability.'
A policing source said: 'It is scandalous and smacks of a politically motivated cover-up. This report has been a long time coming and tackles some really important and sensitive areas for the force.'
Further Developments
Mr Hay, who declined to comment, was told Ms Farrell could not meet him last week, but he could speak to Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs or Deputy Chief Constable Bex Smith instead. He did not wish to do so and left Tulliallan. Another policing source said: 'Ms Farrell knows that the report will not make good reading - and in particular how complaints are handled.' It is understood the HMICS report is now scheduled to be published on May 17.
The Mail revealed on Saturday that Ms Connors, who earns £230,580 a year, planned to launch a judicial review against police chiefs. As a result, they caved in and lifted her suspension, meaning Ms Connors could work for the London-based National Police Chiefs' Council. She is said to be working remotely from Scotland. The number of people – all believed to be in senior positions – who have complained against Ms Connors is 'between five and 10', according to sources.
Ms Connors is still on the payroll of Police Scotland but not allowed to work directly for the force because of the ongoing probe into the bullying claims. It emerged last month that she is working for the NPCC, 'coordinating and developing business cases and change plans for mounted, marine and specialist dog services across England and Wales'. Ms Connors, a former Metropolitan Police officer, received taxpayer-funded 'relocation expenses' of more than £112,000 to help her move when she got the Police Scotland job in 2023.
Regulations state police are duty-bound to find work for suspended officers wherever possible - as long as there is no conflict with the conduct investigation. Commenting on Ms Farrell's failure to meet Mr Hay, a Police Scotland spokesman said: 'The meeting was not cancelled and Police Scotland was represented by the two Deputy Chief Constables who regularly attend.' The force did not respond when asked why Ms Farrell was unavailable. An SPA spokesman said: 'We are grateful to HMICS for allowing the time to consider any potential implications for proceedings currently ongoing.'
