Police Scotland assistant chief constable to return from suspension

Police Scotland assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins - Image credit: Scottish Parliament TV

A suspended Police Scotland assistant chief constable is to return to work but remains under investigation.

ACC Bernard Higgins was one of four officers suspended in November following allegations of misconduct and criminality.

An investigation into the allegations by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) and Crown Office is still ongoing, but the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has decided that the conditions for suspension are no longer met.

A spokesperson for PIRC said: “A number of allegations, alleging both criminality and misconduct, about a senior officer were referred by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) to the PIRC between 6 November 2017 and 18 January 2018.

“In this case, reports will be submitted to both the COPFS, in relation to the criminal allegations and to the SPA in respect of the misconduct allegations, for their consideration of any appropriate action.

"The question of suspension is a matter for the SPA and is an entirely different process from its consideration of whether or not there is a case to answer by the senior officer.”

Higgins’ solicitor, Callum Anderson, of Levy & McRae, said: “ACC Higgins is pleased to return to his duties.

“He has fully cooperated with every stage of the investigation and provided a substantial body of evidence to the authority to demonstrate that all of the anonymous unspecific allegations against him are entirely without foundation.”

Higgins will return to active duties on 19 March, following the decision at this week’s SPA Complaints and Conduct Committee.

In a statement, the SPA said: “While independent investigatory proceedings in relation to the officer have not concluded, the committee’s decision has been informed by the views of the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC).

“The SPA, given its statutory functions in complaints handling and its responsibilities as an employer, can confirm that appropriate welfare and management arrangements have been discussed with the interim chief constable.”