The novel, untried system of providing policing support to the community through the Government has been a disaster from the time the changes were implemented, confirming the fears of many Scots who were opposed to the establishment of a national police force accountable only to a Government appointed authority. The changes should be abandoned and responsibility for policing returned to the regions and local communities

National Police Force

In 2013 all eight of Scotland’s regional police forces were replaced with just one authority, Police Scotland a merger at odds with the long-established tradition of community-based policing and local accountability in Scotland.

The change brought with it the potential for damaging conflict between the new force lead officers and the unelected Scottish Police Authority Quango, which was given executive powers over finance, recruitment and personnel policy.

Control and oversight of 18,000 police and 6,500 civilian support staff was transferred to politicians in the Scottish Government.

The novel, untried system of providing policing support to the community through the Government has been a disaster from the time the changes were implemented, confirming the fears of many Scots who were opposed to the establishment of a national police force accountable only to a Government appointed authority. The changes should be abandoned and responsibility for policing returned to the regions and local communities.

A National Specialist Crime Team and police training unit should be retained at Tulliannan headed by a senior police officer accountable to the Chair of the Regional Police Leadership Authority.