Senior Police Scotland Officer Threatens Legal Action to Return to Work Amid Bullying Probe
A high-ranking officer suspended from Police Scotland over allegations of bullying has threatened to take her superiors to court in an effort to be permitted to work again. The Mail has uncovered that lawyers representing Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors, who earns an annual salary of £230,580, planned to initiate a judicial review against police authorities.
As a result of this legal threat, police chiefs relented and revoked the suspension, allowing Ms Connors to undertake work for the London-based National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). It is understood that she is currently working remotely from Scotland.
Multiple Complaints and Political Concerns
Sources indicate that the number of individuals who have lodged complaints against Ms Connors is "between five and 10," all believed to hold senior positions within the force. This situation has sparked significant concern among political figures and the public alike.
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr commented, "Officers and the public must have confidence that standards are upheld consistently and without fear or favour. Scottish ministers cannot ignore growing concerns around accountability in the SNP’s single police force – they must ensure proper oversight and help restore trust."
Despite the ongoing investigation into bullying claims, Ms Connors remains on the payroll of Police Scotland but is prohibited from working directly for the force. Instead, she is engaged in "coordinating and developing business cases and change plans for mounted, marine and specialist dog services across England and Wales" for the NPCC.
Internal Turmoil and Legal Maneuvers
A source close to the dispute revealed, "Ms Connors’ lawyers threatened legal action against the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) over the suspension, which could have included a judicial review. There is huge turmoil at Tulliallan, the corporate headquarters of Police Scotland near Kincardine, Fife."
Ms Connors, a former Metropolitan Police officer, received taxpayer-funded relocation expenses exceeding £112,000 to facilitate her move when she assumed her role at Police Scotland in 2023. While she remains under investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC), she continues her work for the NPCC, an organization that "brings UK police leaders together to set direction in policing."
Expert and Insider Reactions
Martin Gallagher, a former Police Scotland superintendent, expressed his concerns last month, stating, "I find it very concerning that the second most senior officer in Scotland can be suspected of behaviour so serious that they are suspended from duty and is now working on anything that may affect the UK’s strategic approach to policing."
A police source added, "It has raised a lot of eyebrows that she is in another policing job despite the ongoing probe." Regulations stipulate that police are obligated to find work for suspended officers wherever possible, provided there is no conflict with the conduct investigation.
A second source explained that Ms Connors is "on attachment to NPCC as they will not allow her back to Tulliallan in case it interferes with the investigation." The source further noted that the suspension was not lifted due to the SPA's stated policy of seeking alternatives to suspension, but rather because her legal team was prepared to challenge the SPA in court for failing to consider such alternatives as required.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigation
The Mail understands that the SPA denies that the prospect of legal action was the reason for lifting the suspension and asserts that it has acted "by the book." The NPCC was contacted for comment but has not provided a statement.
A PIRC spokesman stated, "We received a referral from the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) on December 8, 2025, regarding the conduct of a senior officer. We will issue our report in due course."
Police Scotland directed inquiries to the SPA, which declined to comment on complaint and conduct matters. A spokesman said, "Suspension is regularly reviewed to assess whether other options, such as redeployment, provide an appropriate alternative that ensure the integrity of any investigation and satisfy the public interest."
