The Scottish Police Federation represents all police officers in the ranks of constable, sergeant, inspector and chief inspector, police cadets and special constables; over 18,500 people, 98% of all police officers in Scotland.
Mental Health Support Services
If you live with mental health difficulties, you know there are good days and bad days. You also know the bad days can affect you at work. You probably find it hard to focus or perform at your best. The aim of Able Futures is to help you enjoy more good days. Apply now for mental health support.
With nine months support, signposting and information from a qualified mental health professional, you could learn more about your mental health, understand how you can access treatment for any mental health problems and connect with other people and support organisations who know what it’s like to live with a mental health problem. Able Futures delivers the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. The support service is fast, flexible and, best of all, there is no charge to use this service.
Glasgow man who ordered dog to attack police officers sentenced
A Glasgow man who ordered his partner’s dog to repeatedly bite officers has been blasted by a sheriff for “one of the worst police assaults” he had ever seen.
Gordon Finlayson, from Govanhill, previously admitted commanding the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to attack during an incident on Cathcart Road on August 19.
The 35-year-old, who also pled guilty to being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control, also went on to attack the officers himself.
He sunk his own teeth into one of the female constables before repeatedly kicking the other officer to her injury during the incident.
Finlayson, who initially appeared from custody before being granted bail to allow for background reports, also admitted assaulting a member of the public at Naveed Premier Store.
He seized hold of the man’s neck before punching him on the head.
During sentencing at Glasgow Sheriff Court today (Tues), the court was told that the seven-year-old dog belonged to Finalyson’s partner and had never shown signs of “violent tendencies” before.
A bite wound on one of the officers.
But Sheriff Brian Cameron said he could not be persuaded that the dog did not pose a threat to members of the public and ordered for it to be destroyed.
Sheriff Brian Cameron said: “Charge nine would justify me sending you to prison. That’s one of the worst police assaults I’ve ever seen.
“It is quite clear that alcohol is at the root of your offending. If you do not address that problem, you will very soon end up in prison, there’s no question about that.
“In relation to the dog, I have to consider if the dog would pose a danger to the public. I am not satisfied that the dog doesn’t, therefore I make an order for the destruction of the dog.
“Given your involvement, you will be disqualified from having custody of any dog for a period of three years.”
As a direct alternative to custody, Finlayson was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within six months and placed under supervision for 24 months.
During a previous hearing in December, the court was told how Finlayson also admitted assaulting police officers and possessing an offensive weapon during a separate incident two months before the latest police assault.
On June 19, he had been spotted carrying a ten inch kitchen knife outside his home by a neighbour who called 999.
When officers arrived, Finlayson was found in an aggressive state and told one officer: “We’re going to fight.”
He then dropped the blade before punching the male officer in the face.
After being taken to Cathcart Police Office, Finlayson grabbed another officer by his body armour and said: “This is the last thing you’ll see before you die”.
Sheriff Iain Fleming placed him on a restriction of liberty order for 135 days and ordered him to undergo alcohol counselling for the June 2019 offence.
Holiday Pay Update
Members will be aware of the message on the Police Scotland intranet in relation to Holiday Pay and the formula that is being applied to officers.
In relation to this, SPF contend that Overtime that is not converted into payment (TOIL) does have a monetary value and therefore should be included in the remedy.
We are taking further legal advice on this and will pursue this inequality with Police Scotland.
Pension FAQ
The Scottish Public Pensions Agency has amended its Circular 7/2019 to include some Frequently Asked Questions. The Circular can be found here
Please note that SPPA administrators will not be able to add anything meaningful to the information already published on the website.
End of Daily Media Report
For the last 2 years, SPF have been preparing a daily media digest and publishing it on the website. Those who subscribe to content updates via Mailchimp will cease to see this content in the emails and will now only receive notifications of updates to the website from SPF.
The republishing of media content is done under a commercial licence and analysis of click throughs has shown that its not good value nor cost effective to continue with this service. For those who wish to receive articles relevant to scottish policing we would suggest using the news section of search engines such as Google or even the Google Alerts service.
Any new non-media content will continue to be distributed through the mailing service as normal.
