ONE in 10 Police Scotland superintendents is being bullied by their bosses, according to a new survey.
Superintendents – who earn up to £74,000-a-year and run many police stations – are being pushed to do long hours and meet targets.
The survey was carried out by their professional body, the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS).
It found that 11% of members felt bullied, including being intimidated, unfairly criticised or verbally insulted in the new national force.
Chief superintendent Niven Rennie, president of the ASPS, said: “There are cultural issues.
“It has become apparent that some of our members are not speaking out for fear that it might adversely affect their career prospects.
“Whether it is an actual or a perceived problem is not clear but it is more apparent there are a number of issues affecting superintendents and I don’t know if this is being given the right level of priority.
“There are clearly issues which are required to be addressed and this should be a priority for Police Scotland. we are disappointed by the lack of progress since this survey was produced in May.”
The survey found that 57% of superintendents viewed the approach of top officers to managing performance was “harsh and unhelpful”.
Chief Supt Rennie said: “Some of my colleagues are carrying a heavy burden. They are responding to dynamic and very traumatic events and these people are carrying a huge burden from an emotion point of view.
“Its not just the long hours of work that affect them.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “All Police Scotland officers and staff do a demanding and challenging job.
“We will carefully consider the results of this survey and respond to them appropriately. We are happy to meet with ASPS to discuss the issues raised.”
Last month another of Police Scotland’s most senior officers complained to the force’s watchdog about alleged bullying.
Assistant chief constable (ACC) John Mauger told the Scottish Police Authority that he blew the whistle on “corrupt practices” in the service and claimed his complaints had not been dealt with properly. Mauger then claimed he had been victimised as a result.
