Independent probe into Strathclyde Police force

STRATHCLYDE Police will be investigated by another force following allegations of misuse of public funds and undue influence of officers.

The police authority met yesterday to discuss allegations made by Sergeant Martin Porter that personal police protection was given to the aunt of a senior officer.

The complaint was made against Chief Constable Stephen House, but it is understood the focus of the investigation will be on other officers.

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In a letter to Strathclyde Police Authority chief executive Keith Mannings last month, ten members wrote: “The allegation was that in June 2010 the chief constable had instigated what became known as ‘Operation Park Road’, which was in effect a very expensive police operation to look after [former] ACC [John] Neilson’s aunt.”

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland will now be asked to nominate one of its members to investigate.

Meanwhile, a complaint by Mr Porter that Strathclyde Police Authority should have referred his allegation to another force sooner, will be evaluated by the Police Complaints Commissioner.

Strathclyde Police Authority has asked Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland to carry out a thematic review of the implementation of the force’s racial offences policies, in relation to events that led to the suicide of Mr Porter’s 18-year-old son David.

A further allegation of data protection breaches, also made by Mr Porter, have been referred to the information commissioner.

A spokesman for Strathclyde Police Authority said: “The authority will now contact Acpos so that a chief constable can be nominated to lead the investigation into the allegation of misconduct.”

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