Constable Geddes joined the ranks of Northern Constabulary on 21st May 2001. Since then he has committed himself to contributing to the safety and well being of the residents of the Highlands. During the summer of 2007, soon after securing a secondment as Detective Constable with the Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency, Paul Geddes elected to declare that one afternoon in 1991 (aged 18) he participated in an afternoons dishonesty and along with one other, tendered several stolen cheques to the value of approximately £500. At this time he was a Royal Naval Rating and was rightly punished by serving 90 days military detention before being dismissed. On his return to Inverness, he took the decision not to declare this unsavoury episode to future employers. His decision was motivated only by the deep shame he felt at having been involved in such an act. Fast forward 17 years and a commendable work record and Constable Geddes exposed this skeleton, reasoning
\'I wanted people to know me, warts and all\'
As a result of failing to declare this historical dishonesty during his application to join Northern Constabulary, PC Geddes appeared in front of Sheriff Pyle who stated
\"I don\'t think it\'s fair to condemn someone for the rest of their lives for something they did as a teenager\"
Here is a selection of quotes from local residents received in support of Paul.
\'PC Geddes successfully tackled local crime and played a major role in re-building the confidence of the community\'
\'After twenty four years of public office with regular and direct contact with the local community, I consider PC Geddes to be the most competent and reliable Police Officer to have worked in this area\'
\'Paul Geddes has contributed commendable service to this particular part of the wider community\'
\'In all my dealings with Paul I found him a credit to the force and consider that any team would benefit from him being a member of it. He has my full support and confidence in his role as an officer of the Northern Constabulary\'
\'I was made aware by members of the community on more than one occasion of just how highly he is regarded and respected\'
\'I think the public should be concerned at losing such an outstanding officer\'
\'Constable Geddes is a first class officer who is committed and determined\'
IF YOU ARE IN SUPPORT OF CONSTABLE GEDDES CONTINUING ON IN THE SERVICE OF THE PUBLIC AS AN APPOINTED POLICE CONSTABLE WITH THE NORTHERN CONSTABULARY, SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY SIGNING UP TO THIS PETITION.
WE THE UNDERSIGNED, PETITION THE CHIEF CONSTABLE OF THE NORTHERN CONSTABULARY TO REINSTATE POLICE CONSTABLE 124 PAUL GEDDES SO THAT HE MAY CONTINUE TO PROTECT AND SERVE THE RESIDENTS OF THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS. WE ARE AWARE OF HIS RECENT DISCLOSURE HOWEVER, IT IS OUR BELIEF THAT HIS INTEGRITY REMAINS NON NEGOTIABLE AND HE CONTINUES TO INVITE OUR FULL CONFIDENCE.