Independent inquiry into the future needs of Scottish policing necessary: Brown

Commenting as the Sustainable Policing Project phase two report into Scottish policing is discussed, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown MSP said:

“The statement made over the weekend by Cosla is extremely important. They have made it quite evident that there is widespread concern about the SNP Government’s reckless push towards a single national police force.

“Cosla says there is little evidence to support a single police force in Scotland and they regard the proposal as being a disjointed and clumsy one. They are clearly also fearful that this is going to be used as an ill thought out demand in the Scottish elections. They have now made it quite clear they have major concerns about the centralising policies of the SNP Government.

“Cosla’s statement matches our and police concerns that Scottish policing will be damaged during any transition to a new system.

“I want the current consultation to be stopped and an independent inquiry into the future needs of the Scottish Police Service started after the Scottish elections.”