Achi news desk-
The explosive claims have been rejected by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), which is responsible for appointing senior officers.
It is another sign of the turmoil that has engulfed the higher echelons of the service in recent months.
READ MORE: whistleblower claims Police Scotland leadership in ‘turmoil’
Last week, it emerged that David Page, the deputy chief constable of Police Scotland, was given an early retirement payment.
He had been off sick due to work-related stress and had lodged an official complaint against the new headteacher.
His complaint is said to be about Gary Ridley, Durham constabulary’s assistant chief constable, who was giving CC Farrell “unpaid advice” on issues including budget challenges, strategic planning and red tape reduction.
According to reports, an SPA investigation into Mr Page’s complaint found that CS Farrell had “no case to answer”.
CC Farrell, the first woman to lead Police Scotland, joined last October after a four-year spell in charge of Durham Constabulary.
Late last year, it emerged that CC Farrell was driven 120 miles from Edinburgh to Northumberland in a police car after trains were canceled during Storm Babet in October.
Mr Ridley was in the car with her and was dropped off at home in Tyneside.
CC Farrell, who apologized for the “error in judgement”, was only 11 days into the job when the trip happened.
She told MSPs on Holyrood’s criminal justice committee in December that she had “a network of people that I know bring value to policing”, and that Mr Ridley was one of them.
Our internal officer said it was a problem that neither the chief nor two of the three Deputy Chief Constables (DCCs) had links to Scotland.
They added that of the ten-person permanent executive team of police officers, “only two members have risen through the ranks within Scotland.”
They claimed that this “suggests that Scottish officers are being strategically sidelined in favor of outside views, all under the supervision of the Chairman of the Scottish Police Authority.”
He added that the Chief Constable was trying to “align Scottish policing more closely with methodologies from England and Wales” and was in danger of ignoring Scotland’s “unique legal, social and cultural landscape.”
They described this as a “misalignment” saying it “could lead to operational inefficiencies and a marked disconnect with the communities we serve, ultimately eroding public trust.”
Our source went on to say that the “marginalization of officers advocating for a uniquely Scottish model of policing suggests an uncomfortable environment within Police Scotland.”
They added: “Those who voice the need for a local approach are isolated, often pushed into retirement.
“This internal culture at executive level not only stifles discussion and innovation but also raises concerns about the sustainability of leadership that reflects Scotland’s unique identity and values.
“As Scottish expertise diminishes within the police force, the potential long-term consequences are clear.
“An executive disconnected from traditional Scottish legal values ​​and practices may fail to address local issues effectively.”
“This disconnect could lead to a decline in service and a decline in public confidence — outcomes that Scotland cannot afford.
“The majority of non-Scottish officers in the executive team has led to a disconnection from the workforce and the community, a situation that has not been seen before.
“The pattern of leadership appointments within Police Scotland is more than a procedural flaw; it represents a potential crisis of identity and effectiveness.
“To address these challenges, there is an urgent need for a recalibrated approach to recruiting leaders – one that values ​​deep connections to and understanding of Scotland’s unique cultural and legal landscape.”
The force has had a number of senior vacancies recently, with the SPA launching a campaign to recruit three new Assistant Chief Constables (ACCs) in March.
We previously reported that David Duncan, Assistant Chief Constable in charge of the Policing Together portfolio, had retired after just over a year in the job.
Two of the most experienced deputy chief constables, Fiona Taylor and Malcolm Graham, also recently retired.
READ MORE: SPF warns Police Scotland ‘becoming a reactive service
The SPA said the senior office recruitment process was “robust and detailed.”
They pointed out that she has been involved in the appointment of two DCCs since the appointment of CC Farrell last October, one of whom is Scottish.
All previous appointments involved her predecessor Sir Iain Livingstone.
A spokesperson for the SPA said: “The Chief Constable has shown her commitment to policing in Scotland since taking up her post in October last year.
“She has indicated her unequivocal support for the values ​​of Police Scotland, the welfare of our people, and has pledged an active focus on preventing and responding to the greatest threats and risks.
“The responsibility of the Scottish Police Authority is to appoint senior Police Scotland officers.
“Attracting candidates to apply for jobs in Scotland, with the necessary qualifications for the UK, is a vote of confidence in Police Scotland and we welcome applications from the best officers from across the UK.
“We have a responsibility to appoint the candidate who best demonstrates that he fits the requirements of the job.”
The Conservatives’ justice spokesman in Scotland, Rusell Findlay, said: “After creating the national police just over a decade ago, SNP ministers have failed to get to grips with a series of significant problems and scandals.
“While questions about the new leadership may be valid, Police Scotland benefits significantly from high standards across the UK and joint support.”
