Local concerns return with release of Scottish Government's single police force plans
Fresh fears have been voiced about local accountability for Scotland's new single police force after the details were outlined at Holyrood on Tuesday.
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 18.01.12
- Published online : 18.01.12 @ 02.41pm
Legislation published by the Scottish Government cleared the way for the controversial combining of the eight regional forces under the auspices of a Police Service of Scotland.
But the SNP administration was accused of ''sleight of hand'' after it emerged local commanders — a central plank of the pledge to maintain local community involvement — could have responsibility over more than one area.
It was previously anticipated that a dedicated commander would be allocated to every council area in Scotland, ensuring each kept a distinct and tailor-made policing strategy.
But the legislation states: ''A constable may be designated as local commander in relation to more than one local authority area.''
The development was attacked by Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes. The North East Scotland MSP said: ''Plans for local commanders to have responsibility for more than one area confirms the SNP's sleight of hand.
''It is no more than a rouse to quell criticism of their centralisation agenda while continuing to grab all power to the confines of (Justice Secretary) Kenny MacAskill's desk.
''Consultation on these plans saw councils, firefighters and police officers all expressing serious concerns over the move to single, national police and fire services. Yet the SNP Government continue to show a complete indifference to local opinion.''
The bill will also create a single Scottish Fire and Rescue Service — a move critics say could be bad news for rural fire stations.
Mr MacAskill said the changes were necessary if ''budget cuts from Westminster'' were not to ''devastate'' frontline services.
MSPs will be offered formal opportunities to scrutinise services and a new Scottish Police Authority (SPA) and fire board created to hold chief officers to account.
Mr MacAskill insisted there would be a ''stronger connection'' between communities and their police and fire provision.
''Local authorities will approve plans for their area and, rather than a handful of councillors attending a regional board, many more councillors will have a say in what happens in their area,'' he said. ''I expect to see the local commander and local senior officer coming before the council to explain and answer questions about police and fire services in the area."
Continued...
10.40pm - 18.01.2012 Caomhlin - Broughty Ferry Dundee, Scotland Report This
Centralisation, the Uni debate all over again, the SNP seeking to make savings. The real and genuine fear is that people's lives are at risk.
09.38pm - 19.01.2012 Chuck - Bonnie Dundee, Scotland Report This
Why are people moaning? They were the ones who voted these people in. They shouldn't complain now.
12.36pm - 20.01.2012 Trafalgar - Fife, United Kingdom Report This
There's not much this lot will get right,, and once again, he blames the Westminster Government. When will you start to take responsibility MacAskill???
11.38pm - 20.01.2012 Bill Mare - Ayrshire, UK Report This
We already have a scottish police service in all but name, police in Scotland have/are trained at the same place. The proposed bill will weed out duplicated career structures saving millions in long term costs such as pensions. Ex officers should be thankful they were not caught out before this
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