Second inquiry into suspended ACC

An assistant chief constable accused of criminality is now also being investigated for potential gross misconduct. Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins was suspended from Police Scotland in November after anonymous criminal allegations were made to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC). An investigation was launched into the allegations, which Mr Higgins has denied. Following an assessment of the allegations, the PIRC confirmed on Thursday (January 4) that Mr Higgins has now been notified he is also the subject of a misconduct investigation. Commissioner Kate Frame will submit reports about the criminal allegations to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the misconduct allegations to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) once the inquiries have concluded. Mr Higgins was one of four officers suspended over the anonymous allegations, with others including armed policing lead Superintendent Kirk Kennell and his deputy, Chief Inspector Bob Glass. Another two officers were placed on restricted duties. Chief Superintendents Gillian MacDonald and Alan Speirs were appointed temporary assistant chief constables to shore up Police Scotland’s leadership team while the investigation continues.