COUNCILLORS HAVE called for the Scottish Police Service’s headquarters to be permanently based in Fife.
The Scottish Police College in Tulliallan, near Kincardine, is currently being used as interim headquarters as the country’s eight forces prepare to merge into one on April 1.
But the building does not meet the requirements of a modern police base because of security and information technology (IT) issues.
At yesterday’s meeting of Fife Council’s police transition committee in Glenrothes, local councillor Willie Ferguson said those issues could be overcome.
He said: “Yes, it’s an old building, but it’s a jewel in the crown of Fife. If there is investment in Tulliallan, it could be the headquarters. It’s a place of excellence.”
Mike McCormick, the newly-appointed assistant chief constable in charge of local policing east, attended the meeting.
He indicated to councillors the two public rights of way through the grounds of Tulliallan could rule it out as a suitable permanent headquarters for security reasons.
The Scottish Police Services Authority has previously stated it has no plans to restrict access to the grounds of Tulliallan because it is required by law to honour public rights of way.
Mr Ferguson said: “We enjoy the freedom of the grounds of Tulliallan and it’s very much part of the community. Where else in the world can you get access to a national police training college?”
Councillor Helen Law said: “In Fife we’re absolutely delighted that Tulliallan was chosen as an interim headquarters. I don’t think there is anywhere in Scotland better located for the motorway network.
“It really would be a disaster to see the headquarters in Glasgow or Edinburgh.”
Mr McCormick said: “It’s not the right kind of environment for a police headquarters. There are public rights of way, we need a secure building and it’s not fully engaged with IT services.
“I don’t think they’ll be there for ever.”
The committee unanimously agreed to back a motion proposed by Mr Ferguson that Tulliallan be considered as a permanent headquarters.
Fife Chief Constable Andrew Barker has just nine weeks left in post before the single force is introduced.
Under the new arrangements, Chief Superintendent Garry McEwan will be the local commander for Fife.
Mr McEwan gave an assurance that community policing would be preserved under the new system.
“The community policing ethos that has been here in Fife for a number of years will continue,” he said.
“There is no suggestion at all that any officers, community or otherwise, will be taken away.
“I can provide reassurance that it will be business as usual in Fife. Performance has been improving year on year and for me that’s not going to change.”
The Fife commander also announced that local divisions would have specialised units to investigate rape and domestic abuse cases.
“This is absolutely the right decision,” he said.
“These are two of the most heinous and despicable crimes found anywhere in the world.
“In Scotland, we need a consistent approach into the investigation and pursuit of offenders of both crimes.”
arobertson@thecourier.co.uk