Police use squad cars as taxis

SCOTS police officers have been caught using patrol cars as late-night taxis.

At least 14 police officers have been cautioned for making unauthorised journeys in force vehicles.

In one incident in Aberdeen, two officers used a squad car to take off-duty colleagues home from a night out – even using blue flashing lights during the trip.

In each instance an internal investigation was launched and officers were issued with a formal warning after being found guilty of “misuse of a police vehicle”.

Officers have also been cautioned for the unauthorised use of police signs and the misuse of headed paper.

Labour’s shadow justice secretary Lewis Macdonald said: “This is not reaching the high standards expected of our public services. The police know what the rules are and should follow them.”