Chamberlain responds to police watchdog review

Responding to the findings of the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) Assurance Review, which revealed that some Police Scotland officers have not been vetted since they started their careers and that there is no easily identifiable requirement for officers or staff to notify of any off-duty criminal conviction, offence or charge, Scottish Liberal Democrat deputy leader and former police officer Wendy Chamberlain MP said:  

“These glaring gaps in the vetting process make for alarming reading. Today's review demonstrates that failures in oversight are not limited to elsewhere in the UK, and it is clear that Police Scotland must do far more to prevent potentially dangerous individuals holding positions of authority.

“In particular, the service must now carry out a review of its officers and staff to make sure they have been through the proper vetting process.  

“I would also like to see ministers bringing forward many of the other sensible recommendations of HMICS, such as an annual integrity review for all staff to highlight issues such as convictions and misconduct.  

“The Scottish Government must be committed to more than just warm words here. Policing culture needs to see a step-change to build back public trust.”