The Scottish Police Authority has denied Phil Gormley was given “special leave” amid a row over preferential treatment for the Chief Constable.
Four officers have been suspended during an independent probe into crime and misconduct allegations.
But their boss Mr Gormley, who is being investigated in relation to separate bullying complaints, avoided suspension in favour of what he has called special leave.
The Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, has spoken out against its members not having the same rights as those at the very top of the organisation.
An SPA spokesman told the Daily Mail “there is no such thing” as special leave, adding there are differences between Mr Gormley’s case, which is relates to misconduct only, and the other senior officers’ situation, which is said to involve criminal allegations.
A source close to the senior officers said he is baffled by the decision to suspend them.
“There are questions about whether Police Investigations and Review Commissioner are being proportionate and sensible in what they are doing (suspending the members) That is something that needs to be looked at,” the source said.
The SPA is due to meet on Tuesday, when they are expected to consider bolstering the police leadership team because of the high number of absences.
The force is without its Chief Constable Mr Gormley, Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins, as well as the two of the most senior officers in Scottish armed policing, Superintendent Kirk Kinnell and Chief Inspector Bob Glass.
One other officer has been suspended and two have been placed on restricted duties as part of the the PIRC investigation.
DCC Iain Livingstone said at the weekend there is “leadership strength” from police officer level all the way up, but said he would “look to bolster senior team” this week.
