Police watchdog chief calls for more computer experts and fewer uniformed officers

Police Scotland needs more graduates tackling cybercrime and fewer uniformed officers, according to a senior police watchdog figure.

Andrew Flanagan, chairman of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), said that in the future policing would involve computer experts working remotely rather than “cups of tea” and “hand holding”.

Speaking to The Scotsman, Mr Flanagan added that allowing reports to be made on the internet would reduce the burden on police.

The SPA has enlisted the help of Deloitte to draw up a strategic plan for Police Scotland, with Mr Flanagan saying the force needed a better mix of officers and civilians.

He said: “Let’s say you’ve been the victim of an internet fraud, would you expect someone to come round to your house in full uniform or would you prefer a highly qualified internet specialist sitting in a darkened room somewhere trying to solve the crime?

“A pensioner who has lost their life savings will be more reassured to get their savings back or having someone caught than someone coming round and having a cup of tea with them.

“This is the debate we have to have with society. Do you want this more hand-holding, reassuring aspect, or do you want effective policing.”

The SPA chief envisages a brand of policing that keeps pace with crime.

He added: “There’s this easy logic that having more police officers means less crime. I don’t buy that.

“Do I need a fully warranted police officer or someone with different sets of skills? If I need someone who is going to be an internet expert, is it best to have a police officer who has been trained to do that work, or is best to get 50 graduates from Dundee University who have never been to Tulliallan, who will never wear a uniform and who were probably borderline hackers themselves?”

He added: “I want the people who are best. We will have some jobs that people will never want to wear a uniform for. We need a blended workforce.”