Pictured at the stand off between the SDL and opponents of the SDL, outside Dundee Parish Church, some of the heavy police presence. Scottish Defence League rally
Community leaders in Dundee have expressed fears over proposed cuts to Police Scotland’s budget.
Labour councillor Kevin Keenan and chairman of the North East Community Planning Partnership Ron Neave both said the £60 million of cuts announced as part of the 2015/16 budget could have “devastating consequences” on local people.
Mr Keenan said he believed a major role of community policing had already been dwindling.
“The cracks in Police Scotland are already starting to show,” he said. “We have heard that the number of frontline officers is not going to be affected, but that’s not the whole truth.
“More officers are being forced to back fill the civilian roles that are being cut, so although their numbers are not going down, fewer of them are out on the street.”
On Tuesday, Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Stephen House said savings could be achieved, but it would take “extreme measures”.
