SNP leader proposes force mergers to protect job

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has announced that it could reduce the number of police forces in Scotland to protect officer jobs if the need arises.

Alex Salmond, leader of the SNP, delivered a speech at the party conference in Perth on Sunday and said that he would put policemen first and that the front line must be protected in light of budget cuts.

The publication of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) could mean that the SNP administration would have to make do with cuts of up to £1 billion.

Speaking to delegates, Mr Salmond said: “If it comes down to a choice between cops and bureaucracy, between bobbies on the beat and the boundaries of police authorities, then with me it’s simple – it’s policemen first; safety first; communities first; bobbies before boundaries.”

Scotland currently has around 17,000 police officers across eight forces with 1,000 of those added since the SNP took office three years ago. It has also enjoyed a reduction in crime – at a 32 year low – according to Mr Salmond.

“Extra police is not about numbers it is about impact. Under this administration we now have the lowest crime rate for 32 years and the highest clear-up rate in 30.

“Public confidence in the police is high and fear of crime is falling.

“Twenty-five per cent of police expenditure goes on headquarters functions. We have eight forces in Scotland one of which covers almost half of the population,” he explained.

The first minister also told party members that they had achieved a great deal of success during its first term in office, including ending tuition fees, bridge tolls and freezing council tax.

But he added that Scotland needed full financial powers and independence to build the economy and escape the “Westminster straightjacket” of low growth, public sector cutbacks and blighted futures.

He also called on the country to “change” its condition and back the party during what it expects to be a difficult period.

“On Wednesday, the Tory Chancellor, cheered on by his Liberal deputy, will announce the most ferocious series of cuts witnessed in a lifetime. There is nothing to be gained from sugar-coating this – it will be hard, it will be deep and it will hurt.

“It risks ripping the social fabric of our nation. But we will not let that occur. So let me tell you what we shall do.

“As John [John Swinney, Scotland’s finance secretary] has made clear, there will have to be pay restraint. We have a fixed budget, we must balance our books. To do that, we must restrict our spending. Pay will certainly be a part of that.”

Last month, Labour’s justice spokesperson, Richard Baker, spoke out against the SNP after reports suggested plans to cut down the number of Scottish police forces were leaked in a letter and called for an open debate about policing in Scotland.