Force can’t say how much it cost to police controversial march

The Courier is told financial systems ‘do not record’ such details

Police Scotland claims it does not know how much it cost to police a march through Perth by 72 members of the farright Scottish Defence League (SDL).

The force also refused to reveal how many officers took part in the operation in which around 500 people marched in protest at the SDL’s presence in the city.

Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area commander for Perth and Kinross, recently stated he had received “positive” feedback from many groups regarding policing of the event.

The Courier asked Police Scotland through Freedom of Information laws to reveal the cost of policing the march and demonstration, but was told its financial systems “do not record” such details.

Police Scotland further claimed disclosure of the number of officers involved would “compromise” any tactical advantage the police may have over such persons when dealing with any “crime or disorder.”

The force also claimed it would “adversely impact” the “operational effectiveness” of policing such processions in the future.

Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, praised the police response to the event, calling it “exemplary,” but questioned the reasoning behind the force’s reticence to reveal the cost.

“I would think that the vast majority of demonstrators and the Perthshire public would welcome the release of these figures.”

In the police response to The Courier’s request, a spokesman said the “primary duty” of Police Scotland at a march or demonstration is to ensure the safety of protesters and the public.

The police spokesman conceded public interest would “favour a disclosure” as this would contribute to the “public debate” surrounding the effective use of police resources.

However, he countered this by claiming there is “no public interest” in disclosing information that is likely to damage “the efficient conduct of the police service in relation to its law enforcement role, or have an adverse impact on public safety.”

“This would allow those intent on wrongdoing to gauge, with some accuracy, the level of specific police resources at such processions and tactics utilised by the police,” he added.

I would think that the vast majority of demonstrators and the Perthshire public would welcome the release of these figures. PETE WISHART MP

Picture: Gareth Jennings.. Police Scotland also won’t say how many officers were deployed at the march and protest in Perth last month.