POLICE Scotland are set to lose 400 officers over the next decade as the force seeks to adapt both to the changing nature of crime, and a £190 million black hole at the heart of their finances.
Launching his 10-year plan for Scotland’s single police service, Chief Constable Phil Gormley said there would be a squeeze on recruitment between 2018-20.
Though police officer levels had been at a record high, the chief said, they had often been used to “backfill” working in corporate and admin roles normally staffed by civilians.
Part of the draft strategy, which opened for public consultation yesterday, would see more officers put back on frontline operations. He went on to say that much more of Police Scotland’s work would be dealing with vulnerable people, be they old or suffering from mental health difficulties.
He also said changing technology would mean not everyone involved in fighting crime would need a warrant card, and civilian cybercrime specialists would be hired.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Gormley said: “Policing in Scotland has gone through significant transition; it is proudly one of the oldest public services in the world.
“Local policing will remain at the heart of what we do, supported by a wide range of specialist capabilities.
“In an ever-changing world, people will continue to turn to the police service for a myriad of reasons, which means it’s never been more important to understand our demand, both current and future, in order to be able deliver a service which is relevant, has legitimacy and above all maintains the trust and confidence of the public.”
Andrew Flanagan, chairman of the Scottish Police Authority, said police officer recruitment would only be cut if approved by the SPA.
“We are anticipating a small reduction in police officer numbers through to 2020.
“It would be around 400, but that would come towards the end of the period, rather than early on. We expect police officer numbers to remain at their current level through the coming year.”
Michael Matheson, the Justice Secretary, welcomed the draft policing strategy and consultation and said he expected police officer numbers to remain “significantly above” the number inherited when the SNP were elected in 2007.
He added: “Scotland’s police service is working well, with recorded crime at its lowest level since 1974, clear-up rates at a 40-year high, while public confidence remains strong. But as those who prey on our communities seek to exploit new opportunities, and as the needs and vulnerabilities of our population change, so Police Scotland must embrace new approaches.”
Tory shadow justice secretary Douglas Ross said it was important that any changes made to Police Scotland’s approach “will not put public safety at risk”.
Scottish Labour’s business manager James Kelly said: “We need leadership from the SPA, Police Scotland and the Government to ensure the controversies that have hit the force in its early years will not be repeated. “ The consultation closes on May 8 and can be found on Police Scotland’s website.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here