Chief Constable Phil Gormley facing misconduct probe
The police watchdog is looking into claims made against the head of Police Scotland,
Last updated 31st Jul 2017
The Chief Constable of Police Scotland has revealed that he is is being investigated over claims of gross misconduct.
The watchdog, The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner, says it is reviewing an allegation made against a senior officer.
It has not revealed what the nature of the allegation is but a statement released on Wednesday evening confirmed that if the conduct was proved it would amount to gross miscounduct, meaning that Phil Gormley could face dismissal.
The Chief Constable released a statement saying: "I can confirm that today I was informed by the Pirc that I am the subject of a conduct investigation.
"I would like to stress that I remain focused on leading Police Scotland" - Chief Constable Phil Gormley
"I am co-operating fully with the Pirc and will provide all necessary assistance to bring this matter to a timely and satisfactory conclusion.
"In fairness to others who may be involved, it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
"I would like to stress that I remain focused on leading Police Scotland, ensuring that we continue to serve and protect the people of this country.''
Phil Gormley was appointed as Chief Constable in December 2015, replacing Sir Stephen House who stepped down early.
He began his career with Thames Valley Police in 1985 and was previously the Deputy Director General of the National Crime Agency
It was sparked after a complaint was made against the chief constable to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA).
After receiving an allegation against a senior officer, the body decides whether it should be referred to the independent watchdog for investigation.
An SPA spokesman said: "The SPA can confirm an allegation against the chief constable has been referred to Pirc for their investigation.
"However, consideration of complaints and conduct issues are confidential while being progressed, and the SPA has a policy of not commenting on individual cases.''
A spokesman for the Pirc said: "Following a referral by the SPA, the commissioner has assessed that the conduct which is the subject of the allegation would, if proved, amount to gross misconduct.
"Once the investigation is concluded the commissioner must determine whether, in the investigator's opinion, the senior officer has a case to answer in relation to the misconduct allegation.
"The commissioner must submit a report to the SPA containing a summary of the evidence and the investigator's opinion on whether the allegation should be referred to a misconduct hearing.
"Where the authority determines that there is a case to answer for either misconduct or gross misconduct, it must refer the misconduct allegation to a misconduct hearing.
"As this is a live investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.''
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: "This is an incredibly serious announcement.
"Phil Gormley was brought into Police Scotland to steady the ship and is now the subject of a conduct investigation.