COPS MUST FACE JUSTICE

Uncle says relatives would have answers over violent death if officers had not been allowed to resign

- MARCELLO MEGA

RELATIVES of a man who suffered a violent death 26 years ago have backed proposed laws to stop police officers avoiding disciplinary proceedings by resigning.

Kevin McLeod was 24 when he was found dead in the water at Wick Harbour in February 1997, having suffered massive internal injuries consistent with a severe beating.

Twice since then his family have had complaints pending about very senior police officers - the second being Police Scotland's second chief constable, Phil Gormley - but both walked away from proceedings by quitting.

Now, Jo Farrell, who in August will become the national force's fourth chief, will be asked to prepare a code of ethics for policing in Scotland should the Bill, moved by Justice Secretary Angela Constance, pass into law.

In an exclusive article for the Record today, the minister sets out why she believes change is needed despite resistance from the Scottish Police Federation, which represents the vast majority of Scotland's 16,600 officers.

She says the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill would establish new powers to prevent officers guilty of gross misconduct from being re-employed in policing.

It will also ensure officers were no longer able to avoid disciplinary proceedings by resigning.

These arrangements would be underpinned by placing in statute the code of ethics, prepared by the chief, which sets out expectations of police behaviour.

Constance added: "This is an important piece of legislation.