Officers to be sent to Scotland to protect golfing Trump
WEST Midlands Police has been told to send officers to Scotland to help with security arrangements when US President Donald Trump visits.
And the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said he was “extremely worried” that the cash-strapped force would be overstretched.
President Trump will spend two days in Scotland, where he will play golf.
Full details of his movements have not been made public, but it is thought he will visit one or possibly both of the two “Trump” golf courses he owns in Scotland, making the visit an opportunity to promote his personal brand.
It was revealed last week that West Midlands Police had been asked to send hundreds of officers to London and the South East for President Trump’s visit, despite huge spending cuts.
It has now emerged that around 100 officers will also be sent north of being hit by the border to assist Police Scotland. The numbers have not been confirmed.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said: “A significant number of officers are being sent to the South East of England and to Scotland to assist with the policing operation for Mr Trump’s visit to the UK.
“Whilst it is right and proper that West Midlands Police are available for wider national policing operations I am extremely worried our force is stretched at a time when demand is at a high.
“Cuts since 2010 have left the force with 2,100 fewer officers and less spare capacity. It means when it is asked to help it has a big impact on policing in our area as officers rightly take days off to recover.
“Sadly, government cuts mean the thin blue line is thinner than ever.” West Midlands Police has shrunk by 2,100 officers since 2010, thanks to cuts of £145 million.
And while protesters are expected to flock to London, there are also protests planned in Birmingham, suggesting police will also be needed here.
The force has been forced to cancel 1,000 “rest days” – days off owed to officers – so that it is able both to send staff to help keep President Trump secure and to ensure there are enough officers on duty in the West Midlands.
The visit to the UK by President Trump is thought to be triggering the biggest police mobilisation ever, surpassing even the 2011 riots.
Around 50,000 people are expected to descend on central London to protest against him.