Mcleod family accuse Scottish Government of 'dragging their heels' over police complaints report
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THE family of a Caithness man, whose body was found in Wick harbour 24 years ago, has accused the Scottish Government of "dragging their heels" over implementing a report into the way complaints against the police are handled.
Kevin Mcleod's parents, June and Hugh Mcleod and his uncle Allan Mcleod want the recommendations in the report by former Scottish Attorney General, Dame Elish Angiolini to be implemented "without further delay."
Her review focused on police complaints handling, investigations and misconduct issues. The preliminary report was issued in June 2019 with the final version published in November last year. The Mcleods welcomed the report and called for the recommendations to be enacted in full. They believe Kevin, a 24-year-old electrician, was murdered after a night out in Wick in February 1997 because of the injuries on his body but the police claim his death was a tragic accident. Officers from Merseyside Police are conducting an independent review of the case.
The family wrote to Scottish Justice Secretary, Humza Yousaf, claiming he and the Scottish Government are "dragging their heels" regards implementing the recommendations, especially the one to hold police officers accountable for their actions even after leaving the force.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Allan Mcleod, said: "We had been campaigning for this change since 2003 after the then deputy chief constable of Northern Constabulary, Keith Cullen, retired just days before a disciplinary hearing over the handling of our complaints, leaving us in the dark and still seeking answers 24 years later.
"My family know, after two decades of experience, that the current police complaints system is biased, unfair, and clearly, not fit for purpose. In fact, we suspect, the current system is specifically designed not to hold police officers to account."
He added: "To strengthen the Scottish public's trust and confidence in the system, the Scottish Government must, without further delay, implement all the recommendations made by Dame Elish to ensure the police complaints system is fair, transparent and impartial. We need a system that is fit for 21st century policing in Scotland.
"The police have had their own way for far to long - it's time for change. The Justice Secretary must act now not later. It’s a really important and necessary step towards righting wrongs".
In response, Mr Yousaf said the government intend to accept the majority of Dame Elish’s recommendations but pointed out that many, including those about how investigations and misconduct proceedings operate when an officer retires, will require legislative changes.
He said: "Plans are subject to the outcome of elections to the Scottish Parliament on May 6 but it is my intention to take forward Dame Elish’s recommendations in a single Bill with associated secondary legislation. This process will take time, as there is a need for full public consultation on proposals as well as for parliamentary time."
Mr Yousaf added that a progress report will be published on the Scottish Government's website every four months.
Meanwhile, the Mcleods have been given an update on the independent review being carried out by Merseyside Police which began in Sept 2019.
A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: "We have been advised by the Court Service that they have completed the transcription and those transcripts will now be reviewed by Merseyside Police and will be taken into account in the final report."
