A serving Police Scotland officer has been convicted of violent and non recent sexual offences committed against women in the Highlands and Western Isles.
Cameron Ross, 39, was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday 25 May and is due to be sentenced at a later date.
Police Scotland confirmed that once criminal proceedings have concluded, its Professional Standards Department will begin gross misconduct proceedings against Ross.
The offences took place in the Inverness and Western Isles areas and the conviction marks another deeply damaging case involving abuse of trust by a serving police officer.
Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison said Ross’s actions were completely incompatible with the standards expected of officers.
She said:
“Ross’ actions go against everything Police Scotland stands for.
“Our thoughts are with the victims in this case and I hope this conviction provides them with some measure of closure.
“I commend their strength in reporting these crimes and bringing this individual to justice.
“We understand how difficult it can be to report these kinds of offences, particularly when the perpetrator is a police officer.
“We want the public to be reassured that all reports are thoroughly investigated, no matter when the offending took place or who is involved.
“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.”
Cases involving serving officers continue to place intense scrutiny on policing standards and public confidence across Scotland, particularly in smaller and more rural communities where trust between officers and the public often carries even greater importance.
Police Scotland has repeatedly faced calls in recent years to strengthen vetting, oversight and internal accountability processes following several high profile misconduct and criminal cases involving serving officers.
The force has also acknowledged that offences involving police personnel can create additional barriers for victims coming forward due to fears around power, influence and trust.
The conviction of Ross now moves the case from the criminal courts toward internal disciplinary proceedings where dismissal from the force is expected to be considered once sentencing has concluded.
