SPF chair calls for greater government commitment to policing

In his opening speech, addressed to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance, David Threadgold stressed the need for “stronger government prioritisation of policing”.

Despite a working relationship built on mutual respect, he criticised the government’s response to the 2024/25 police pay negotiations, which were forced into arbitration, “damaging trust between officers, the chief constable, and the government”.

Mr Threadgold expressed “disappointment that police officers were offered only the “second-best pay deal in the public sector”, while NHS colleagues secured a higher increase.

With Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell, and interim Scottish Police Authority chair Fiona McQueen, in the audience, Mr Threadgold raised concerns over declining officer numbers, citing a recruitment freeze and increased demand leading to record absences.

While government claims record recruitment, he questioned whether standards were being compromised. He also warned of an impending workforce crisis, with nearly a quarter of serving officers eligible to retire in the next four years.

Since Police Scotland’s inception in 2013, budget constraints have seen more than 140 police stations closed, with more closures expected, Mr Threadgold said. He condemned chronic underinvestment, stating that policing in Scotland has become largely reactive due to police officer and resource shortages.

He also challenged the government’s claims of record investment, calling for clarity on what funding was actually improving frontline services.

A major concern raised was the increasing burden of non-policing duties, particularly in handling mental health crises. Mr Threadgold emphasised that police officers are not healthcare professionals and should not be relied upon to fill gaps in the NHS. He urged the government to take immediate action to address this issue, warning that policing capacity is being lost at alarming rates.

Mr Threadgold also criticised inefficiencies in the justice system, particularly the waste of police resources in unnecessary court attendances.

He called on the Cabinet Secretary to deliver practical solutions, such as improved scheduling, to prevent officers from being recalled on rest days for cases that never proceed.

In his closing remarks, Mr Threadgold reaffirmed that the SPF will never settle for second best for Scotland’s police officers. He urged the government to demonstrate real commitment to policing, ensuring officers are properly resourced, fairly paid, and supported to carry out their duties effectively.

“Policing in Scotland is unique,” he concluded. “We need a government that acknowledges this and priorities policing accordingly. If you provide the right support, we will deliver.”