The number of police officers in Scotland fell by almost 200 over the last year, including the first nine months of the country’s new single force.
Official statistics revealed there is now the equivalent of 178 fewer full-time Police Scotland officers on the streets when comparing December 31 last year and December 31 2012.
However, the 17,258 full-time equivalent (FTE) total is an increase of 1,024, or 6.3%, from the 16,234 police officers recorded at March 31, 2007, when the SNP came to power.
There has been strong criticism from Unison, the union representing civilian staff, over how police numbers are being maintained.
They claim police officers are being asked to fill roles traditionally carried out by civilians to artificially maintain officer numbers at a higher level.
However, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, pictured, said: “The creation of Police Scotland has allowed local policing to prosper, with officers dedicated solely to local policing in each division, supported by specialist services and the ability to allocate additional police officers in every area where and when they are needed.
“The number of additional police numbers is now moving towards 1,000, keeping costs down while continuing to exceed our target.
“This contrasts with the position in England and Wales, where officer numbers are now at their lowest level in 11 years and expected to drop by more than 15,000 in total.”
Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick said: “The creation of single service has allowed us better flexibility in allocating police officers to the right place at the right time to help keep people safe.
“Police Scotland can now provide improved access to specialist services in support of local policing right across the country, with every division now benefiting from being able to draw in this resource when needed.
“Every division now has access to every kind of specialist support without geographical boundaries.
“Police Scotland continues to maintain police officer numbers at a minimum of 17,234 to meet the Scottish Government’s commitment and we have a rolling recruitment programme.”
Each division of Police Scotland has its own roster of officers who are given additional support by regional specialists, such as counter-terrorism units.