Police chief is paid £150,000 to do nothing

A SENIOR police officer has received £150,000 of taxpayers’ money after being on gardening leave for almost 18 months.

John Mauger, assistant chief constable of Central Scotland, has been suspended on full pay since July 2010 over allegations of insubordination and inefficiency.

It is understood that Central Scotland Joint Police Board now plans to strike a deal rather than move to dismiss Mr Mauger, who has returned to his London home, which would cost even more public money.

A police source said: “A lot of board members feel that if there was a strong enough case to suspend him, there should be a strong enough case to dismiss, and put the emphasis on him to challenge the decision at tribunal.

“But the lawyers have said no. They believe there are grounds for concern and they’re looking to negotiate some kind of deal with him, which has upset some members of the board.”

Central Scotland officials were reportedly in talks with Mr Mauger and his legal team about reaching a settlement last summer, but no agreement was reached, and no-one has been able to say when the matter will be resolved.

Councillor David Alexander, a substitute board member, said: “There is concern that this matter is dragging on, and my fear is that with local elections on the horizon, this may be kicked well into the long grass for someone else to resolve.”

Scotland’s eight forces are to merge into one, a move at least partly motivated by the need to cut costs. They are facing terms cuts of around five per cent so money is tight.

Emma Boon, campaign director at the Taxpayer’s Alliance, said: “It’s concerning that this investigation is costing so much time and taxpayers’ money.

“It’s in everyone’s interests that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible so that further costs aren’t racked up.

“Naturally, a thorough and proper investigation should be carried out if there are serious allegations, but with a top cop sitting at home doing nothing, taxpayers aren’t getting good value for money,” she added.

“Police budgets are tight at the moment, and the force can’t afford for this to drag on indefinitely.”

Mr Mauger is understood to have clashed with Chief Constable Kevin Smith amid claims of insubordination and inefficiency.

However, full details of the complaint have never been made public.

A Central Scotland Joint Police Board spokesman said: “We can confirm a senior officer is currently on leave and interim management arrangements have been put in place. No further comment will be made at this time.”

A Central Scotland Police spokeswoman added: “It would be inappropriate to comment at this time.”