SNP maintains controversial commitment to 1,000 more police officers policy

Police officer numbers remain above 2007 levels, in line with the SNP’s commitment to deliver 1,000 more officers compared to the figure in 2007, new figures show.

The news comes as Scotland’s Auditor General told a Holyrood committee last month there is a £200 million deficit in the Scottish Police Authority’s budget.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Police Scotland continue to maintain a strong, effective presence in local communities – with officers, specialists and other civilian support staff working day and night to keep people safe.

“With police having contributed to a reduction in recorded crime to its lowest level since 1974 and clear-up rates at a 40-year high, public confidence in Scottish policing remains strong.

“However, as criminal activity evolves, and the service increasingly responds to meet the changing demands of society, it needs to maintain its capacity, across its workforce and other resources, to meet emerging challenges.”

He added: “That is why we have protected Police Scotland’s resource budget for each year of this Parliament, delivering a £100 million boost by 2021. In addition to £55 million for reforms over the past year, we recently announced an enhanced allocation of £61 million reform funding for 2017-18, to help with the next phase of its transformation.

“This will enable Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority to progress their ‘2026’ strategy, giving the Chief Constable greater flexibility to ensure Scotland continues to benefit from a modern and responsive police service that is fit for the future.”

Some commentators have called for the policy to be reviewed to prevent cuts elsewhere in the force.