The chief inspector of constabulary in Scotland, Craig Naylor, has given his backing to legislation to enact the change.

South of the border, officers found guilty of gross misconduct are automatically sacked following changes introduced last year in the wake of cases involving officers who had committed serious sexual offences.

Thirteen staff at Police Scotland resigned last year before they could face gross misconduct charges, among them an officer who assaulted a child.

Mr Naylor said: “One aspect of this area of policing that is missing in Scotland is the concept of misconduct in public office. This charge has a high evidential test but is used, sparingly, in England and Wales, where it exists as an option when there is misuse of the office of constable.

“This test, and the case law associated with it, provides options that could strengthen public protection from officers or staff who misuse their position for personal gain.

“Establishing a code of ethics based upon a legislative position, as proposed in the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill, will put the service in a strong position. I support this legislation and hope that it progresses through the parliamentary process to allow for the changes needed to assure the public.”