Keep Policing Local

The Scottish Liberal Democrats are opposing the SNP Government's proposal to convene a national police board and their 'one-size-fits-all' approach to Scottish policing. Help us to keep our police forces local.

Commenting after the Justice Secretary gave his statement to Parliament on reforming the Police and Fire Rescue Services in Scotland, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown MSP said:

“Liberal Democrats will fight any move towards a single police force in Scotland.

“It is hugely disappointing but unsurprising that the Cabinet Secretary presented his plans for a single police force and fire board without giving the slightest indication of what savings and benefits Scotland would gain as a result.

“Liberal Democrats are not persuaded that a creation of a single police force will save any significant amount of money.

“Communities will instead suffer as local accountability is eroded and local police services damaged.

“Centralised bureaucrats will be given far too much say over how local policing decisions are made without being aware of local problems and issues.

“We are still waiting for a clear reason to be given by any of the supporters on why moving towards a single Scottish police force will improve policing or make Scottish streets safer.

“The idea of a single Scottish police service is bad for democracy, bad for local communities and bad for local policing.”

 

In challenging the First Minister about the plans, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott MSP said: “This is a slippery slope to one police force. For 150 years people in this democracy have worried about the government gaining political operational control over policing. The First Minister refuses to see that a National Police Board, appointed without debate in this Parliament - and with no basis in law - moves us down that dangerous road.”

“We need a police service that is responsive to local needs not subject to central diktat and centrally imposed targets.”