Scotland’s eight police forces are to be merged into one following a Government announcement next month, The Courier understands.
However, Scottish Lib Dem Leader Willie Rennie has warned the move expected to be unveiled as part of the Scottish Government’s legislative programme is a “dangerous step”.
Although a vote would be needed to introduce the legislation, the SNP Government’s majority in Holyrood is expected to see it approved. It is believed a draft business plan has outlined how a single force would cost around £207 million to deliver over five years but save £390 million. In the longer term it would save around £1.9 billion over 15 years.
However, it is thought the proposal would also see £80 million of voluntary redundancy payments in its first five years, then a lowering of wages by £47 million and £66 million a year for officers and support staff respectively.
The idea of a single force, along with options of fewer forces or a streamlined version of the existing system, was outlined last January. The Scottish Government said it would not be commenting on speculation but issued a statement.
“This government has delivered 1000 additional officers to make our communities safer helping drive crime to a 32-year low in Scotland and our priority is to protect that strong front-line police presence.
“It is precisely because of those 1000 additional officers that Scotland’s police forces were able to deploy officers to help their English counterparts at short notice last week, for example, and we are committed to maintaining those numbers despite budget cuts from Westminster.
“That is exactly why we are looking at reform, as reorganisation is needed to make sure those officer numbers are protected.
“The justice secretary is travelling right across the country during the summer, talking to police and others about the most appropriate way forward before proposals are brought before Parliament after recess.”
But Mr Rennie said: “Clear evidence shows this plan will cost money, not save money, it risks losing officers and it will give the justice secretary absolute control over the police, which is a dangerous step.”Public confidenceThe Mid Scotland and Fife MSP also warned the move could see English forces in Scotland to handle complaints. At present Scottish constabularies call on a second force to investigate. However, with only one Scottish force, it may mean English forces were called in in such circumstances.
“In the last year, two chief constables in England have been investigated on serious matters in North Yorkshire and in Cleveland,” Mr Rennie said. “The investigations were led by senior officers from other forces. If SNP plans for a single Scottish police force are adopted then that option is removed in Scotland. The force would have to investigate itself. Public confidence will be at risk.
“It may mean that English police forces will have to be called up to investigate complaints made in Scotland. It will be a real challenge for officers from a different jurisdiction to fill the gap in Scottish police forces.”
He said this could not be the SNP’s intention and asked the party to reconsider.
Mr Rennie said the Lord Advocate had issued guidelines for dealing with police complaints, advising the consideration of using an investigating officer from another force.
“If the SNP bulldozer away that possibility it is not clear how the public will be assured that complaints are being investigated robustly,” he said.
Mr Rennie added that police discipline regulations also require police authorities to call on another to investigate complaints against chief officers.
“This will be swept away by proposals for a single police force.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “If the decision is to create a single police force, we will set out clear proposals for dealing with discipline and complaints alongside all the other aspects of a new structure, including ensuring that there are mechanisms for proper independent scrutiny.”