Scottish Police Federation accused of failing women

Whistleblowers and lawyers criticise body for rank and file officers after survey called it an ‘old boys’ network’

The federation that represents rank and file police officers in Scotland is failing women, whistleblowers and their lawyers have told the Guardian, after an extensive survey of officers and staff described it as “the same old boys’ network”.

Following a series of internal reports revealing the extent of racist and sexist behaviour within Police Scotland, as well as the admission by the chief constable, Sir Iain Livingstone, that the force is institutionally racist and discriminatory, the focus has shifted to the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents more than 16,000 officers.