One of Scotland’s top police officers, Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs, is under scrutiny following a complaint made by a senior civilian worker. The incident reportedly occurred at Tulliallan, the corporate headquarters of Police Scotland in Fife.
Allegations Against Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs
Mr. Speirs, responsible for upholding professionalism within the force and earning £213,394 annually, is alleged to have made an upsetting remark in the presence of other staff members. According to a source, following the alleged comment, Mr. Speirs put his arm around the worker and later issued an apology for any offense caused. Despite the apology, the civilian staff member lodged a formal complaint and subsequently went on sick leave.
Complaint Referred to Scottish Police Authority
The grievance was initially reported to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), the external civilian oversight body for the police. However, the SPA chose not to pursue a formal investigation, stating that the case did not meet the necessary threshold. Instead, the matter was referred back to Police Scotland for internal handling. This decision has drawn criticism, with sources questioning the SPA’s scrutiny of such issues.
One source explained that the remark was deemed patronizing, occurring in a public setting, and caused upset to the worker. Despite Mr. Speirs’ apology, the situation escalated into a formal complaint. Another insider raised concerns about how the event may strain the working relationship between Mr. Speirs and the complainant, particularly since the individual remains off work.
Concerns About Scrutiny and Internal Handling
Critics have highlighted the challenges of resolving such matters internally, especially considering Mr. Speirs’ role in managing professionalism within the force. As handling complaints is part of his job responsibility, sources have suggested there may be complications determining how to proceed impartially.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell, Mr. Speirs’ superior, may need to intervene to ensure the issue is adequately resolved. The situation has raised overall concerns about how complaints against high-ranking officers are reviewed and what level of oversight is provided by the SPA.
Official Responses to the Allegations
When approached for comments, a Police Scotland spokesperson directed inquiries to the Scottish Police Authority. An SPA representative declined to comment on specific complaint and conduct matters, maintaining the confidentiality of the review process.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs highlights the challenges of addressing internal complaints within law enforcement. It also underscores the importance of external scrutiny in maintaining transparency and trust in public institutions. As this situation unfolds, it will serve as a test of accountability mechanisms within Police Scotland and its oversight bodies.
