A HANDFUL of police officers are still working in Ayrshire, despite being accused of domestic abuse, figures reveal.

Statistics, obtained in an investigation by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) and ITV, revealed that 67 Police Scotland officers were reported for domestic abuse between January 2018 and September last year.

Of these, five of them were based in Ayrshire.

The data was originally obtained in November 2021.

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Each of those officers remained in service at the end of the 2021 calendar year.

A further FOI has been requested, to detail how these officers were dealt with, and if they were disciplined in any way.

TBIJ’s data only records accusations of domestic abuse reported to the police.

A domestic abuse survivor from Ayrshire said she is wholeheartedly distraught to learn that these officers remained in their jobs after the reports.

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The woman, who wished to remain anonymous said: “It’s beyond disappointing to learn that people are getting away with stuff like this. It takes so much courage for a woman to stand up and report her abuser, but often that’s not enough.

“I understand that not everything is as black and white as it first seems, but for there to be five officers who have been reported, I don’t think it would be a coincidence and they’ve all been falsely accused.

“Luckily for me, my abuser was found guilty and got what was coming to them.

“When I think back on when I was getting abused, the police were supposed to be there for your safety. For people in powerful positions like this to be acting like this, is beyond abhorrent.”

Detective Chief Superintendent John Paterson, Police Scotland, said: “Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for Police Scotland. Our approach is victim-centred but our investigation is perpetrator focused irrespective of who the offender is and this includes when reports of criminality are made against our officers and staff.

“Allegations of criminality are fully and professionally investigated and reported to the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service.

“Where allegations concern a serving officer, or member of police staff, an assessment of their status is undertaken which can result in duty restrictions or suspension.

“At the conclusion of criminal proceedings a report is submitted to the Deputy Chief Constable Professionalism, Digital & Transformation for conduct purposes.

“Police Scotland demands the highest levels of integrity from officers and staff and when someone fails to meet this standard we take the appropriate action.”