Police chief paid £50,000 to do nothing

POLITICIANS have reacted with anger after learning that a senior police officer has been paid £50,000 to remain at his London home for the last seven months.

John Mauger, the assistant chief constable of Central Scotland Police, has been on "gardening leave" since August last year while complaints against him are investigated. These are understood to include claims of insubordination and inefficiency.

However, the investigatory process by the Central Scotland Joint Police Board has come under fire for being too slow.

There are also concerns that Mr Mauger remains on full pay while 34 of the force's civilian staff are being made redundant or taking early retirement as part of a cost-cutting drive.

Central Scotland Police has trimmed 1.7 million from next year's budget, with the majority coming from staffing costs.

Local politicians have revealed their concern about the time taken to carry out the inquiry - and the cost to the public purse.

Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson said: "I am extremely concerned at the way this is being handled and have written to the chief constable asking what progress has been made with the investigation.

"Allowing this senior officer to remain on gardening leave in the current economic climate is not a good use of public money."

Cathy Peattie, Falkirk East MSP, said she was also concerned at the cost to taxpayers.

She said: "It is not acceptable that this has been hanging over this senior officer for so long and it should have been a priority to get this investigation carried out quickly."

Mr Mauger was appointed as the force's third in command in February 2009 after a high-flying career with the Metropolitan and Essex Police.

He arrived at the force's Randolphfield headquarters after a stint as temporary Assistant Chief Constable at HM Inspectorate of Constabulary.

However, it is believed that within a year there were already concerns and suggestions that he clashed with Chief Constable Kevin Smith, who himself had only joined the force five months before the new ACC.

Chief Superintendent Gordon Samson has been carrying out the ACC's role since last July.

The convener of Central Scotland Joint Police Board confirmed that the investigation into a complaint against Mr Mauger was continuing.

Councillor George Matchett, a former senior officer with Central Scotland Police, said that it was being carried out by Grampian chief constable Colin McKerracher.

He said: "The inquiry is reaching the report stage which will hopefully be submitted to the board by March.

"Then whatever appropriate action is needed will be taken."

The Scottish Government refused to be drawn on the inquiry.

A spokeswoman said: "We are aware that a senior officer is currently on leave from Central Scotland Police and interim management arrangements have been put in place."This is a matter for the Joint Police Board and it would not appropriate for Scotland Ministers to comment further."

A Central Scotland Police spokeswoman added: "It would inappropriate to comment."

Mr Mauger is the most senior officer to face a disciplinary probe since Grampian Chief Constable Ian Oliver was forced to resign in 1998 over a bungled murder hunt, which had followed the death of Aberdeen schoolboy Scott Simpson murdered in 1997 by Stephen Leisk.