Counter corruption unit chief moved in wake of critical review
The head of Police Scotlands counter corruption unit (CCU) has been transferred to other duties just days after a critical review of the teams behaviour was released.
The head of Police Scotlands counter corruption unit (CCU) has been transferred to other duties just days after a critical review of the teams behaviour was released.
Chief Superintendent Clark Cuzen, who led the CCU when it breached data access guidelines by intercepting communications to identify a journalists source, has been moved to a project to determine the impact of the EU referendum vote on Police Scotland.
The CCU will now be led by Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson.
Chief Supt Cuzens departure comes less than a week after Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland published a scathing review of the CCU, which found that its information handling procedures fell below the expected national standard.
The report also drew attention to the questionable legality, proportionality and the apparent lack of procedural fairness carried out by the CCU when dealing with police officers and members of police staff.
HM Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland Derek Penman made 39 recommendations, including reviewing its approach to tackling corruption and launching more proactive investigations.
Politicians are now calling for more stringent reform, with MSP John Finnie saying: Its clear that the CCU was out of control and therefore the person in charge must be held accountable.
A number of officers remain aggrieved by the manner in which they were dealt with by the CCU and all eyes are now on Police Scotland to see if this is the start of changes many believe are needed.