NO dismissals were made by Police Scotland following 67 reports of domestic violence against staff over a three-year period, new figures have revealed.

Forty-eight of these staff are still currently employed by Police Scotland.

These figures were obtained as part of a series of Freedom of Information Requests placed by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, and cover the period between January 2018 to September 2021.

The figures show that overall in the UK, eight out of 10 police employees accused of domestic abuse are still working – 1300 were reported, 203 retired, resigned or left for other reasons, and only 36 were dismissed.

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Last year, a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation revealed that 166 police officers and special constables within Police Scotland were accused of 245 counts of sexual misconduct over a four year period – yet no dismissals were made.

Detective Chief Superintendent John Paterson from Police Scotland said: "Allegations of criminality are fully and professionally investigated and reported to the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service.

"Where allegations concern a serving officer, or member of police staff, an assessment of their status is undertaken which can result in duty restrictions or suspension.

"At the conclusion of criminal proceedings a report is submitted to the Deputy Chief Constable Professionalism, Digital & Transformation for conduct purposes.

"Police Scotland demands the highest levels of integrity from officers and staff and when someone fails to meet this standard we take the appropriate action."

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A spokesperson for Police Scotland further added it can take time for an outcome to be reached internally as “where officers are reported, and then charged, we are bound to wait for the outcome of criminal proceedings before we start conduct proceedings".

However, when pressed for further detail, they were unable to reveal how many of the 67 reported incidents had led to criminal proceedings.

Dr Marsha Scott from Women’s Aid Scotland said: “Our job is supporting survivors of domestic abuse. If women have anxieties or worries about contacting local police or reporting, our national helpline and their local Women’s Aid group can contact the Domestic Abuse Task Force on her behalf for advice.

“If their abuser is in the police and has local involvement, our understanding is that the national task force will oversee the case."

If you feel scared of your partner or if you are worried about someone you know, get in touch with Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234 email helpline@sdafmh.org.uk or visit sdafmh.org.uk.