Personnel from services should be ‘fast-tracked’

Police: Tory veterans spokesman calls for trial of rapid recruitment scheme

Soldiers leaving the army should be fasttracked into the police service, say the Scottish Conservatives.

The military bases of Leuchars and RM Condor would be looked at as potential recruiting grounds for Police Scotland under the proposal.

Maurice Corry, the veterans spokesman for the Scottish Tories, has called for a trial of the scheme that would be open to servicemen and women from across the armed forces.

The MSP said his proposal would help increase policing staff and give those leaving the armed forces a way back into the civilian workforce.

He will now prepare a formal proposal on the trial schemes, which he says has been “warmly received” by both veterans and police.

Mr Corry said: “This proposal would address two issues of huge importance.

“It would help boost the number of special constables, which has more than halved in the last five years.

“But it would also provide a vital transitional link for people leaving the armed forces and contemplating their next move in life.

“These people will be fit, active and value the idea of uniformity and being involved to help the public good, and that’s something we should make use of.”

The Conservative plan involves veterans joining the force as special constables with a view to further promotion. The positions are voluntary and generally part-time, with expenses covered.

The party said last month the number of special constables have more than halved since 2013, dropping from 1,387 to 610.

Leuchars Stations in Fife is home to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the Royal Engineers, Military Police units and some remaining RAF squadrons.

RM Condor is the Angus base for the Royal Marines, who are part of the 45 Commando Group.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The recruitment of police constables is a matter for Police Scotland, and overall officer numbers remain at historically high levels.

“Armed forces veterans have a range of transferable skills that are welcomed by employers in Scotland and we remain committed to ensuring that all veterans living in Scotland are able to access the best possible support in their lives going forward, particularly when it comes to employment opportunities.”

Ex-servicemen and women would make ideal police officers, says Scottish Conservative veterans spokesman Maurice Corry.