There are those who seem to be agitating for the head of Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell. They should be careful what they wish for, argues Herald columnist Calum Steele

Policing is one of those subjects that will always make the news. Whether for good or for bad – and it is usually the latter – stories about perceived failures will grab headlines and stir reaction. Policing is also one of the few institutions at which it is possible to pretty much take a “free hit”, as legal constraints, as well as a frighteningly reserved and ineffective comms operation, often render the service near mute when facing controversy.

More often than not, the sensationalism of the initial headlines, as well as accompanying quotes from some vexed politician, legal commentator, or campaign group, will have long passed before the truth, nuance, or context of the subject that led to the now-historic outrage comes to light. This, by and large, is how it has always been, and having to grin and bear it is simply expected. When leaks and briefings stop being about the institution and become more personal, it is, however, worth taking a step back to consider if there are bigger issues at play.

I can’t be the only one who has noticed a sustained campaign against the Chief Constable of our national service, Jo Farrell, in the past few months, and what has struck me about most of them is how remarkably small the circle of people in possession of the necessary detail behind the stories must have been.

Read more by Calum Steele

Her alleged threat to........

© Herald Scotland