Scotland's top police officer has been accused of 'undermining public confidence' after intervening to delay the publication of a critical watchdog report until after the Holyrood election. The report, which scrutinises the professional standards department of Police Scotland, was originally scheduled for release on March 17.
Timing of the Delay Raises Eyebrows
Chief Constable Jo Farrell stepped in just four days before the planned publication date, ordering a postponement. Both Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) have stated that His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMICS) should hold off on releasing the findings until after polling day on May 7.
Ongoing Proceedings Cited as Reason
HMICS explained that the organisations had 'asked for time to consider any potential implications for proceedings that are currently ongoing.' This is widely believed to refer to an ongoing bullying investigation into Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors. Notably, it was revealed over the weekend that Connors has been 'redeployed' to a role with the London-based National Police Chiefs' Council, despite the ongoing probe by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.
Criticism from Police Representatives
Rob Hay of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents expressed deep concern, stating that the delay 'risks undermining public confidence in the independence and transparency of the assurance process.' He emphasised that 'transparency is essential to support improvement and maintain confidence in the system of police accountability.'
Allegations of a Cover-Up
A policing source described the situation as 'scandalous and smacks of a politically motivated cover-up.' The source questioned the rationale, asking, 'why would the publication have any bearing on ongoing proceedings?' They added that the report, which has been long-awaited, addresses 'really important and sensitive areas for the force.'
Political Reactions and Official Statements
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr argued that 'Scots will feel that conduct and discipline in the force is not a politically sensitive issue. There should be no harm publishing the report before the election.'
In response, Police Scotland stated, 'We are engaging with HMICS who has agreed to provide further time to consider the potential implications for ongoing matters.' HMICS confirmed that 'at this stage, a new date for publication has not been set, but due to the pre-election guidelines this will not be before May 7, 2026.'
The inspectorate added, 'HMICS has taken the decision to temporarily pause the publication [after] requests from both the Chief Constable of Police Scotland and the chief executive of the SPA who have asked for time to consider any potential implications for proceedings that are currently ongoing.' An SPA spokesman said the authority was 'grateful' to HMICS for allowing the delay, while the Scottish Government declined to comment on the matter.
