Senior Police Scotland officer suspended over bullying allegations

One of Police Scotland’s most senior officers has been suspended over bullying allegations.

STV News understands that deputy chief constable Jane Connors was suspended on Monday after a number of complaints against her.

The complaints were referred to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), which oversees policing in Scotland.

The SPA said it had taken the decision to suspend a senior Police Scotland officer over “conduct allegations”.

“The Authority’s Complaints and Conduct Committee has taken the decision to suspend a senior police officer following receipt of conduct allegations which have been referred to the Police Investigations and Reviews Commissioner for consideration,” a spokesperson said.

DCC Connors’ suspension is effective from Monday, December 8, 2025 and will be reviewed every four weeks intervals or until circumstances change, the SPA said.

She is one of three senior officers to hold the deputy chief constable rank within Police Scotland.

DCC Connors’ has more than 30 years’ service across Police Scotland and the Metropolitan Police.

She joined Scotland’s national force in 2023, and she currently has executive responsibility for operational policing, which includes organised crime, counter terrorism and intelligence.

A spokesperson for the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner said: “We can confirm that on Monday 8 December 2025 PIRC received a referral from the Scottish Police Authority regarding the conduct of a senior officer.

“We are now conducting an assessment under the Senior Officers Conduct Regulations. As such, it is not appropriate to make any further comment.”

Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.