Posted by Iain McKie on February 07, 2000 at 06:04:11:
The breakthrough we have been seeking in Scotland has arrived. All fourteen civilian fingerprint officers in Lothian and Borders Police Force, the second largest in Scotland, have asked the Scottish Parliament and the Lord Advocate Lord Hardie for an enquiry by an independent force. They emphasise that the views they express are theirs and not necessarily those of Lothians and Borders Police.
The whole story can be read exclusively in today’s 'Scotsman' newspaper ( http://www.scotsman.com - e-mail: mdaly@scotsman.com )
These officers are quoted as stating, "At best the apparent 'misidentification' is a display of gross incompetence by several experts within (the SCRO) bureau. At worst, it bears the hallmarks of conspiracy of a nature unparalleled in the history of fingerprints."
Thus they follow the lead taken by so many 'experts' worldwide. The fact that they are Scottish Officers working in Scotland makes their contribution extremely important.
A worrying comment (which I am checking out for accuracy) reported in the article was allegedly made by Mr William Robertson, Chief Constable of Northern Constabulary, Chairman of the SCRO's Executive Committee. He states he will consider with his colleagues what action is required and, " ....what action we believe should be taken at the Lothian and Borders Fingerprint Bureau." Not you will observe at the SCRO Bureau.
That these officers have acted with probity and integrity, given the years of indecision by Chief Officers like William Robertson, is a matter for commendation not discipline and cover-up.
Through these pages and by private communication we have learned of pressure being applied throughout the fingerprint world to ensure fingerprint officers do not speak out. Discipline has been threatened.
When you are employed by a public bureau, have a mortgage and a family to support we can understand how difficult it must be to stand up and be counted.
That the Lothian and Borders officers have done so is to be applauded not condemned.
As you will observe throughout this campaign individual confidences have been protected and we thank the many people who have come forward with information about their own and others experiences. We will continue to honour these confidences.
It is a fact however that there appears to be something sinister in the campaign of cover-up that has been perpetrated. What is the agenda? Are other mistakes being covered up? Has it happened before? Chilling thoughts!!
The Internet has allowed us to thwart that cover-up and fight back against the System.
Shirley and her family thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. The battle is not over however and we would welcome you comments publicly, on the board, or privately to us via e-mail.
It is particularly important to hear from you if you are aware of unfair pressure being brought to bear. We feel a responsibility for those who have stood in our corner and will fight for them as strenuously as we have for Shirley. WE STRESS THAT CONFIDENCES WILL BE RESPECTED.
We have raised the above matters with Human Rights lawyers and will do our very best to ensure that no further injustices are perpetrated.
The fingerprint community is determined to sort out its own bad apples. For that we applaud you.
Regards to you and yours: Iain McKie and family.