TOP cops have called for officers to be given even handed treatment over the Emma Caldwell public inquiry – and insisted the entire justice system needs looked at.
The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents called for “fairness, balance and understanding” the day after the Scottish Government promised a public inquiry into the initial botched cop probe into the 2005 murder.
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In a statement they insisted the inquiry should focus not just on the cops who let Emma’s killer Iain Packer walk free for so many years, but “all involved across the criminal justice system”,
It stated: “Our thoughts, as always, remain with Emma’s family and friends at this time. Police officers are the most scrutinised of public servants.
“Decisions taken at all levels can be looked at for years with the benefit of hindsight – that comes with the nature of the job and we all accept and appreciate this.
“Our colleagues who were involved in this investigation will willingly work with the inquiry to provide the answers that are needed.
“Whilst accountability comes with the role – even long after retirement – we also must remember that there needs to be fairness, balance and understanding when it comes to looking into decisions made many years ago under extreme pressure and with best intentions.
“This public inquiry should be about learning lessons for all involved across the criminal justice system, not just those working in policing, acknowledging the progress made and better practices now well established.
“We as a staff association will be supporting our members still serving and those now retired through the inquiry process, and we would hope that it can be concluded to the satisfaction of all concerned in an appropriate timescale.”
We told how family lawyer Aamer Anwar yesterday claimed cops had “sufficient” evidence by 2008 to nail Packer for Emma’s murder three years before.
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He spoke after revealing Scotland’s top prosecutor personally apologised to Emma’s devastated relatives – as ministers finally confirmed a probe into the bungled murder case.
The judge-led public inquiry is set to look at how serial sex beast Packer was allowed to dodge justice for 19 years – despite being quizzed six times after Emma was found strangled in 2005.
Cops instead focused on four Turkish suspects, building a case around bugged conversations, using flawed translations.
After meeting Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain with Emma’s mum Margaret, 76, and other loved ones yesterday, Mr Anwar claimed there was “deep concern about the quality of translations and evidence” by 2008.
He insisted: “Police appeared more interested in perpetuating a lie than ensuring a dangerous killer and serial rapist was put behind bars.”
Vowing to keep fighting for answers, Margaret pledged: “This isn’t finished yet.”
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Margaret Caldwell and her family have waited far too long to get justice.”
Packer, 51, was caged for at least 36 years for killing Glasgow sex worker Emma, 27, and the rape and abuse of 22 women.
He has launched a bid to appeal his murder conviction.
