3

Action call after police watchdog criticism

ACTION must be taken to restore public confidence in Scotland’s police watchdog after its own board criticised it for being “useless”.

MSPs have said that confidence in the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) is at an all-time low and questioned why it was not free from political interference.

The comments came after a report by academic Dr Ali Malik found some board members believed the SPA to be a “waste of time”, toothless and in the “pocket” of the SNP Government.

Scottish Labour’s justice spokeswoman, Claire Baker MSP, said: “Confidence in the ability of the SPA to do its job is at an all-time low.

“These comments go to the heart of an organisation which its own members describe as lacking expertise and confidence, and as one that is hampered in its role by political interference and pressure from the Scottish Government.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP added: “At a time when policing in Scotland is in crisis we desperately need an effective organisation to hold Police Scotland to account.

“Instead, over the past year the SPA has faced a steady stream of bad news, from accusations surrounding its culture of secrecy to dysfunctional managerial relationships.”

Nicola Marchant, deputy chairwoman of the SPA, said: “Recent feedback from a number of stakeholders has welcomed progress to date.

“The review of the SPA being led by myself and Malcolm Burr provides an opportunity to clarify the responsibilities, resources and relationships we need to build on that work.”