As at the end of June this year, the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) police officers fell to 16,207 – the lowest number of officers in the 17 years for which there is data.

As at the end of September, officer numbers are now up slightly at 16,427. However, this is still a drop of almost 1,000 compared to the equivalent quarter in 2020 (17,249). It also represents a fall of more than 1,000 officers compared to the first quarter in 2013 when Police Scotland was formed (17,496).

Last year, the Scottish Police Federation said the service had been “asset stripped and basically used as a cash cow.”  

Justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said: “Earlier this year, we saw police officer numbers plummet to their lowest ever level. While I am glad that there has been some marginal improvement, it’s hardly a cause for SNP celebration.

“The reality is that there has been an overall decline in officer numbers since Police Scotland was formed. That downward trend is putting communities at greater risk, while leaving the officers who remain feeling unsupported and stretched dangerously thin.

“It is no wonder that policing bodies are warning of a public safety crisis. The Scottish government must heed these warnings and meet the needs of officers and staff through proper resourcing.”