4 days ago
Facing the sack, Scots police officer who used a racist slur in front of colleagues
A police officer faces the sack after a racist jibe left her colleagues in shock and landed her in court.
PC Nichola Irvine, 52, made the remark at Glasgow 's Helen Street police office on March 1, 2023.
Her comment came amid claims that cleaners were unhappy doing their job at the station.
The constable responded with a crude comment about a 'reeking P***.'
One fellow officer was so sickened by the slur she reported it to her bosses.
It led to Irvine appearing in the dock at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
She faces the end of her 15-year police career after she was found guilty of behaving in a threatening and abusive manner, which was said to be racially aggravated.
The court heard that Irvine - who worked in the divisional co-ordination unit - had initially been talking with PCs Steven Love and Craig Blair that day.
PC Laura Wylie later joined in with the conversation about the cleanliness of the building.
Irvine said in her evidence: 'Miss Wylie started to laugh because Craig and Steven were moaning about the cleaners complaining about the state of the men's toilets.'
PC Love told the court that Irvine then made the racial and sexual remark and PC Wylie backed him up but stated that the word used was 'humming' instead of 'reeking'.
He responded to the remark by covering his face with his hands while PC Wylie was in 'utter shock' and told Irvine off about using racial stereotypes.
She reported the matter to senior members of staff several days later.
Irvine has been suspended since March 2023 and is subject to an ongoing disciplinary process.
She denied in court making the racial comment stating to her lawyer Iain Cahill, that she instead said: 'Wouldn't it be good if we just got on with our jobs?'
Irvine added that her two colleagues were '100 per cent mistaken' with their claims.
When convicting her, Sheriff Diana McConnell said: 'I am satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt you made the comment that was abusive, vulgar and disparaging. You used a racial slur.
'In the whole context, it is likely that this would cause a reasonable person to suffer alarm.
'You were reckless to whether your conduct would cause alarm.'
Sheriff McConnell fined Irvine a total of £520.
Following the sentencing, Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison, Professional Standards Department, said: 'PC Irvine's actions go against everything we stand for.
'All officers are bound by our Standards of Professional Behaviour, which apply on and off duty.
'Any instance where an officer fails to uphold our standards will be investigated and appropriate action taken.
'A report will now be prepared for the Deputy Chief Constable for consideration of misconduct proceedings.'
