Even keel is needed for Police Scotland

Seven years on from its formation and Police Scotland’s house is still a long way from being in order. The Scottish Police Authority was yesterday warned that difficult choices would have to be made in order for the force’s hugely stretched finances to be brought into line.

With 90% of that budget currently spent on staff wages and costs, it is clear what those difficult choices would mean if they were to be implemented.

The thin blue line becoming even thinner is never a desirable state of affairs.

Whether it would mean fewer officers on the beat protecting our communities or a less well-resourced administrative function supporting those on the front-line, a diluting of our national police force’s capabilities is a step society must take with caution.

And it is not just the frontline that is wearing thin. Shocking images from Pitlochry police station showing evidence bags being used to protect electrical circuits from the ravages of the weather show there are problems with under investment in the physical force estate too.

Some of the fabric issues pre-date Police Scotland’s formation in 2013 and the wider financial issues are also longstanding.

The time for talking is over. A cogent action plan with buy-in from Police Scotland senior management, the SPA and politicians is needed to put the force on an even keel and ensure it is able to fulfil its vital role in Scottish society.