Ex-policewoman accepts compensation for sexual assault and bullying

In 2022, former police officer Scott Gallop was convicted of sexually assaulting Gemma MacRae. He was given a one-year community payback order and placed on the sex offenders register for one year.

It was the only conviction to come as part of a 15-month investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) into Forres police station following complaints of bullying and misogyny.

The Pirc report made allegations against seven police officers, but the Crown Office found there was insufficient evidence of crime in six of them.

Ms MacRae filed an employment tribunal claim against Police Scotland for gender discrimination, but after discussions earlier this year agreed to accept £431,968 for loss of her career, injury and distress.

Ms MacRae said: “It has been seven grueling years of torture, not just for myself but for my family.

“The toxic masculinity and power used against me were inexcusable and cruel. I am physically and mentally drained.

“Seven years is a long time to fight for justice against an organization that is supposed to represent them.”

Ms MacRae has not seen the Pirc report into allegations of bullying and misogyny at Forres police station.

She said part of the investigation was “completely secretive and hidden from the public.”

Ms MacRae added: “It is difficult for Pirc to justify its purpose if we are denied insight into its operations and results.

She described the police complaints system as broken and failing both honest officers and the public.

Stephen Smith, solicitor at Livingstone Brown, said: “We have acted for female officers in Police Scotland from Dumfries to Inverness who have said the same thing.

“They have come into conflict with a male-dominated leadership hierarchy that has used internal procedures to delay and avoid investigation into what happened to them.”

“They had to turn to the employment tribunal as a last resort because their serious attempts to have the actions of male colleagues investigated were also unsuccessful.

“There is no doubt that this is taking a toll on her as well as Gemma. They should not be left in this position in any organization, especially one that was founded to protect people.”

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “Misogyny, sexism and discrimination of any kind are completely unacceptable – they have no place in society and in policing. “I will meet Gemma in person and apologize for the way she was treated .

“Pirc conducted an independent, Crown-led investigation and Police Scotland fully supported that investigation.

“Since this investigation, Police Scotland has examined a number of matters and – although conduct proceedings are private – appropriate action has been taken to address behavior that is not consistent with our values ​​of integrity, fairness, respect and respect for human rights.”

“Police Scotland is meeting these challenges head-on through sustainable, tangible and measurable activities, driving a relentless focus on our values ​​and standards through our Policing Together programme,” he added.

A Pirc spokesman said: “We have been instructed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to investigate allegations of potential criminality against Police Scotland officers.”

“The matter was brought to our attention in December 2018 and following our investigation, a detailed and comprehensive report of our findings was submitted to the COPFS for consideration in April 2020.

“Our reports and findings are subject to confidentiality for legal reasons.”