Police officers in Scotland investigated over allegations of sexual offences

Police Scotland have stated they are taking "every report about sexual offending seriously" following the revelation that almost 90 of the body's own officers have been investigated following allegations of sexual assault in the last three years.

The numbers were unveiled following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by the Daily Record newspaper. 86 Police Scotland officers have been investigated following accusations of sexual assault, both while on and off duty between April 2016 and March 2019.

Of that number, there are currently still 36 officers under investigation, while 16 have been charged concerning a sexual offence. Eleven of these officers were facing allegations made by their colleagues, but members of the public made the majority.

One of the officers involved faced allegations from both a colleague and a member of the public, which has now been published on the Police Scotland website in the interest of disclosure.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said:

"We take every report about sexual offending seriously and incidents reported to us will be thoroughly investigated, no matter who is involved.

"The vast majority of our officers and staff conduct themselves to the high standards we and the public expect, however when we do receive reports of criminality involving our employees, they will be rigorously investigated in the same way any other report would be.

"Where there is evidence of criminality, the circumstances will be reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as well as to the professional standards department."

If you have been charged with a sexual offence, contact us immediately. These cases require skilled and sensitive handling and the preparation of a robust defence. The longer we have to review the facts, the better your chances of success at trial.

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