|
|
|
Record police numbers says Government |
|
|
|
Friday, 29 August 2008 |
Police numbers in Scotland were their highest ever at the end of June, and are set to go even higher according to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
MacAskill released figures showing that in the period April 1 2008 – 30 June 2008 there were 16,339 officers in Scotland, an increase of 118 officers compared to the previous quarter and the highest figure ever reported.
The Government has been criticised in the media and by opposition parties in recent weeks for not fulfilling its pledge of last year to recruit 1000 extra police officers, although the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland recently issued a statement refuting the claims.
Speaking today, MacAskill said:
“Last year, as we promised, 150 officers were recruited and paid for by the Scottish Government and are currently working in Scotland's communities. This year we are directly funding the recruitment of another 450 over and above forces' previous plans. We inherited the lowest recruitment since devolution with many officers due to retire. We've tackled that challenge head on, and although these latest figures are reassuring, there remains much work to be done. But we are confident that the resources and policies now in place will deliver improved policing for Scotland.
“Furthermore, the key to the police service's ability to respond is not just its size, but its capacity. The right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time. That's why this Government is focussing on building the capacity of the police service in Scotland - not just the numbers. We have set out plans to deliver a more visible policing presence on Scotland's streets and make an additional 1,000 officers available in our communities. We are not just delivering on this but going substantially beyond, by also looking at recruitment, retention and redeployment.”
The news was welcomed by the Tories, who claimed much of the credit for the move:
Commenting on the official police numbers released today, shadow Justice Secretary Bill Aitken MSP said:
“The Scottish Conservatives' task in last year's budget was to secure the extra funding needed to provide 1,000 additional police officers by 2011. Our continued role is to press the Scottish government to meet its promises. The duty of the SNP is to deliver and whilst there are many other aspects of its justice policy which give rise to grave concerns, today's news is a step in the right direction. It must ensure that recruitment levels outstrip retirements from the force so that overall numbers can continue to grow.
“But without Scottish Conservative pressure and insistence there would be no prospect of 1,000 more police, no new national drugs strategy and no accelerated tax cuts for Scotland's smallest businesses.”
No one has commented on this article.
|
Site news...
Have your say: We have introduced a comments system in our news and magazine article sections, submit your comments for approval. Your comments will feature in the "Your comments" section.
|
|
|
Holyrood news 
