Justice secretary hails national police force’s ‘good progress’ after first 100 days

Good progress has been made since the national police force was established 100 days ago, the justice secretary has said.

Kenny MacAskill spoke out as he visited Police Scotland’s marine and underwater unit in Greenock, hailing it as an “important national asset”.

A “key benefit” of having a nationwide police force is that communities have access to specialist equipment and expertise when required, he said.

The diving and marine unit has two teams, covering all of Scotland.

Mr MacAskill said: “It is now exactly 100 days since new policing arrangements were put in place and Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority are making good progress.

“Crime is now at a 39-year low, backed by record numbers of police in our communities. Confidence in police is high and increasing.”