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The number of full-time police officers in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level since 2007, with the Scottish Government being accused of “chronic neglect”.
The latest figures released by Scotland’s Chief Statistician show that Police Scotland employs 16,207 full-time officers Scotland On June 30, the number decreased by 148 people compared to March 31.
The figures show that number has fallen by 392 since June 30 last year, with Justice Secretary Angela Constance admitting she was “disappointed” by the figures.
The survey also revealed that there are currently fewer full-time equivalent officers in Scotland than there were on 31 March 2007 (before the SNP came to power).
But Police Scotland said the force now stands at around 16,400 officers, thanks to the new officers joining.
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Deputy Chief Superintendent Alan Speirs said: “We are planning to recruit more than 1,300 new officers in 2024-25, which is the highest number of new officers ever recruited by Police Scotland in a single year.
“Last month we welcomed more than 250 new trainee officers to Police Scotland and our officer strength now stands at around 16,400.
“The Police Commissioner has made it clear that increasing officer numbers is a priority and we are driving change to strengthen frontline policing by reallocating resources or improving efficiencies.”
Russell Findlay, Scottish Conservative justice spokesman, said: “This is damning evidence of the SNP’s long-term neglect of policing in Scotland.
“Allowing police numbers to drop to historic lows will only make our streets less safe.
“The Scottish Conservatives are committed to reversing the significant decline in police numbers since the SNP came to power in 2007 and will put 1,000 more officers on the streets.”
Ms Constance said: “I am disappointed with these figures because our record policing funding of £1.55 billion this year has enabled Police Scotland to restart recruitment and increase officer numbers.
“However, I understand that this number is based on exceptional circumstances, which means this is only a short-term reduction.
“Changes to police pensions, which are beyond the control of the Scottish Government, are leading to more people leaving the profession.
“The increase in the length of the initial police training course by four weeks has also impacted this figure.
“Police Scotland will recruit more officers this year than at any time since 2013, they say, with current officer numbers at around 16,400.
“Scotland still has more police officers per capita than England and Wales and police pay in Scotland is the highest of any region.”
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