All not well within single police force

Sir, - Following your correspondent Jenny Hjul’s excellent article on Police Scotland, I write to (hopefully) lay to rest the myth regarding duplication of work under the system that prevailed prior to the creation of Police Scotland.

The police forces operating in Scotland did not do the same tasks eight times over, which would be duplication.

They did the same tasks in eight different locations with local accountability and variations to meet local need. That is not duplication. It should be kept in mind when looking at Police Scotland that it exists purely as the result of the whim of a disgruntled senior police officer in the shape of Mr House.

Having failed in his attempt to land the post of Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis he set about creating a similar post for himself here in Scotland.

He did it by spreading the myth of duplication and producing baseless figures for projected savings that would result from the creation of a single force for Scotland.

As we now know these savings were undeliverable and the reforms have created a monster in the shape of the cumbersome and unworkable Police Scotland.

The error is compounded by an ineffective Scottish Police Authority that has failed to provide proper oversight and the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner which seems to be staffed by people who have no idea how to conduct an effective investigation.

Morale in the rank and file is at an all time low and the situation will only get worse as the force is led by a lame duck Chief Constable who does not command the respect required to perform the role.

Meanwhile, the whole mess is overseen by an inexperienced and virtually invisible Justice Secretary.

It is time to reform the reforms. George Thomson. 44 Viewforth Place, Pittenweem.

Picture: HE Media Former Police Scotland chief, Sir Stephen House.