Government seeks views on policing shake-up

A Policing strategy that seeks to “combat the threats of modern times” will be examined as part of a public consultation on the “transformation” of Police Scotland.

Justice secretary Michael Matheson said the Scottish Government would deliver a series of improvements to the nation-wide single service, which was formed in 2013 when the eight regional forces were merged.

A public consultation on new “strategic police priorities”, will examine the themes of “localism, prevention, response, collaborative working, accountability and adaptability”, the government said.

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Police Scotland’s ability to “meet emerging threats” and a focus “on keeping people safe” will be among the policing priorities looked at as part of the exercise.

The move comes just days after it was confirmed that the number of armed police numbers in Scotland will go up by about a third.

Police Scotland said it would recruit an extra 90 officers who will be attached to armed response vehicles, bringing the total number to 365.

Meanwhile, the need to address “inequalities within and between communities” as well run a “transparent” police service will also be part of the government’s plans, according to the consultation document on future policing.

The consultation, which is open until 16 August, will also look at how best to “ensure the police service is able to take advantage of new opportunities and meet emerging threats and challenges”.

Matheson launched the consultation during a visit to Larbert High School in Falkirk, where he met pupils and the local campus police officer.

He said:  “We need a service which carries the shared values of all of our public sector, which works at an international level to combat the threats of modern times that brings national consistency, coordination and specialist resource and holds local policing at its heart. It must be focused on priorities which are relevant to, and serve the interests of, local people.

“The Programme for Government set out our commitment to provide opportunities for members of the public, communities and local police scrutiny committees to discuss and develop new national priorities for policing in Scotland.

“These new priorities are an important part of the transformation of our police service and I would encourage everyone to have their say.”