Top police officer cleared to return to work
ONE of Scotland’s top police officers has been cleared of misconduct allegations but faces a further wait to find out if he will be subject to criminal proceedings.
Bernard Higgins has denied all allegations against him
Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins, who denies all the allegations, returned to work in March while investigations were still ongoing.
He had been suspended from duty by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) in November.
Now, the SPA has confirmed that the decision there was no case to answer regarding the misconduct allegations was made following a committee meeting last month.
A spokesman said: “The committee’s consideration was informed by an independent report by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc).
The committee determined that the senior officer had no case to answer in respect of either misconduct or gross misconduct
“The committee determined that the senior officer had no case to answer in respect of either misconduct or gross misconduct.”
A Crown Office spokesman said the report is still being considered.
He said: “Pirc has submitted a report to COPFS concerning allegations against five officers who were serving with Police Scotland.
"The report remains under consideration.”