INSPECTOR GADGETS
Top cop says officers need up-to-date technology to fight crime effectively
SCOTLAND’S Chief Constable is backing a plea for officers to be given modern equipment and technology.
The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) said the force have “performed remarkably” with “archaic” systems.
SPF vice chairman David Hamilton added: “We are one of the last forces in the UK not to be working with digital notebooks and both officers and the public are suffering from it.
“The wastage in time and efficiency is staggering. We are spending hours of time double and triple-keying information into crime systems when we should be investigating the crimes instead.
“Our members feel we have done everything asked of us in difficult circumstances. But we can’t make further progress without the investment required to see us through the next set of challenges.”
Iain Livingstone, who became Chief Constable in August, agreed that officers and police staff should be given better technology and equipment.
He said: “It would not be fair to ask my officers and staff to work any harder.
“They have been through a very difficult period in the early days of Police Scotland and we are now in a stable position with a strong leadership team and a dedicated workforce.
“The officers and staff deserve better and it is therefore critical that as we build a sustainable police service, we give them the right equipment to do their jobs properly.”
Livingstone also raised his concerns about the impact of Brexit on the force.
Hundreds of extra officers could be needed to help police ports, airports and a potential border in Ireland.
The SPF said 800 would be “a conservative estimate” of the extra officers that might be needed to keep the public safe.
Linvingstone said: “Brexit will have a significant impact for Police Scotland.”