Police numbers lowest since 2009
THE number of police officers in Scotland is at its lowest level for nine years, figures have revealed.
In the first three months of the year, there were the equivalent of 17,170 full-time officers, according to Scottish Government statistics.
The last time the number was lower was in the first three months of 2009, when the total was 17,048.
Officer numbers increased after the SNP came into power in 2007, with the party committed to BY KaTRine BUSSey putting 1000 extra police on the streets.
That commitment was first met in March to June 2009, with the number of officers having remained at above or about 17,250 since then.
But the total for January to March this year fell by 86 from the 17,256 recorded last October to December.
Scottish Labour’s justice spokesman Daniel Johnson said: “There are fewer frontline officers in our communities and local stations have closed across the country.
“Public confidence in the force is at rock bottom following scandal after scandal and falling officer numbers will only make matters worse.”
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The figures have signalled that a number of officers have been freed up from back-office roles to ensure the frontline is maintained and enhanced.”