Police Scotland probe officers' historical social media messages

Police Scotland is investigating messages allegedly sent by now senior police officers

Historical phone messages and social media posts - allegedly sent by now senior police officers - have been reported to Police Scotland.

One WhatsApp message, seen by BBC Scotland News, sent between officers' personal phones appears to show a picture of a suspect being arrested in 2019 along with laughing emojis and a crude message.

It is understood the force is also investigating claims of a now disbanded WhatsApp group involving police officers called "Porn, Porn, Porn" in 2017.

Police Scotland said all reports of misconduct were taken seriously and thoroughly investigated but it would not comment on matters relating to individual officers.

Warning: This article contains language people might find offensive.

In 2024, 11 police officers – either constable or sergeant in rank - were suspended or placed on restricted duties after a series of historical WhatsApp chats were uncovered by Police Scotland.

BBC Scotland News has been told that police officers who are now in more senior positions have previously sent similarly offensive messages but have not been subject to such swift or severe punishment.

The WhatsApp message, allegedly sent in 2019 from a now Detective Inspector to a colleague's personal phone, appears to show a picture of a suspect in handcuffs being arrested.

It is accompanied by the message: "Check out this handsome guy".

The second officer responds with seven laughing emojis.

The officer who sent the picture then appears to write: "Just back from Airdrie pumping a wee bird, proud of him" with three laughing emojis.

A cropped screen shot of a message allegedly sent back in 2019, including a photo of a suspect in handcuffs, followed by a line of laughing emojis.

Section 3.8.1 of the Police Service of Scotland (Conduct) Regulations 2014 Guidance states: "Police officers treat information with respect and access or disclose it only in the proper course of their duties."

The same officer who sent the picture allegedly set up the "Porn Porn Porn" WhatsApp group in 2017.

BBC Scotland News has been unable to verify any of the messages allegedly sent to this group.

A number of historical Facebook posts, allegedly sent about 13 years ago by an officer who is now at superintendent rank, have also been reported to Police Scotland.

They refer to an offensive name for a member of the travelling community and what appears to be a drink called "Pussy" with the caption: "Delicious!!!"

These messages all predate former Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone's admission in 2023 that Police Scotland was institutionally racist and discriminatory.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "All reports of misconduct are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

"Appropriate action will be taken. However, we wouldn't comment on matters relating to individual officers.

"Police Scotland expects the highest standards from our officers and that they adhere to our standards of professional behaviour, code of ethics and in line with our values of integrity, fairness and respect, both on and off duty."