New police board raises fears of plan for single Scottish force
A NEW national police board could pave the way for a single force covering all of Scotland, it was claimed yesterday.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill announced the creation of the new body to oversee the work of the country’s existing eight forces.
The Scottish Policing Board will be chaired by Mr MacAskill and is expected to look at cross-border crime such as human trafficking, internet crime, terrorism and fraud.
It will also seek to encourage co-operation between the country’s forces.
Although the new body will not replace local boards, yesterday’s move prompted criticism from opposition politicians over the “centralisation” of policing.
Critics also claimed the creation of the Scottish Policing Board was a further step towards a new national police service.
Lib Dem justice spokesman Mr Brown said: “A one-size-fits-all approach is entirely wrong. These proposals will be viewed with huge concern across Scotland, where the value of local policing has long proved its worth to communities.
“It is clear that the SNP Government has in mind a single national view on policing.”
Mr MacAskill’s announcement comes in the wake of a report from retiring police watchdog Paddy Tomkins, who believes the country should have just one force.
Earlier this year Mr Tomkins said the eight forces should be amalgamated to protect against cuts. But a Scottish Government spokesman said there were no plans for a single force.
“The Scottish Policing Board will strengthen local involvement when it comes to issues like complex fraud, internet crime, terrorism and human trafficking,” he said. “Scotland needs its forces to be able to work together seamlessly to tackle these challenges.”
