Single police force won’t have local accountability

12 Jun 2012

A single Scottish police force will not have local accountability after the SNP rejected a motion seeking to address the issue.

While broadly supportive of the single force move, the Scottish Conservatives want to strengthen local authority influence over policing in their areas, but this has not been supported by the SNP.

However, one Scottish Conservative amendment which was successful as part of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill will see Special Constables also able to be employed as Fire Officers, bringing Scotland into line with England and Wales.

Scottish Conservative Chief Whip John Lamont MSP said:

“I am disappointed with the way in which the SNP used its majority to reject a number of amendments.

“That would have made the force considerably more accountable at a local level.

“But I am pleased the Scottish Government has accepted my amendment which will allow publically spirited individuals to have more than one role in their communities.

“This may be useful, particularly in rural areas, and it appears to have been prohibited in Scotland unintentionally.”