PLEA We need more cops on the beat MSP says SNP is a‘soft touch’ over policing
A Tory MSP claims falling police numbers in Renfrewshire could put the public at risk.
New figures released by Police Scotland show there are now 663 officers in the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde division, down from 680 at this time last year.
Maurice Golden MSP has demanded the SNP Government plough more money into the force to ensure the public are properly protected.
He said: “The police do an incredible job to keep communities across Renfrewshire safe, but the fact is their numbers keep dwindling under the SNP.
“That means they will be stretched ever further – the SNP should be providing them with the resources they need, not making their job more difficult.
He added that having more bobbies on the beat help reassure communities, and prevent crime.
He blamed falling police numbers on “soft touch” policies introduced by the SNP Scottish Government.
“Fewer police on the beat also means it is harder to reassure residents that they are safe – we need that visible presence,” he continued.
“Otherwise this will be yet further evidence of the SNP’s soft touch approach to justice.”
The number of officers in the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Division is down from 678 overall after Police Scotland was created in 2013.
Paul Connelly, from the the Scottish Police Federation, which represents the interests of officers, recently warned that “overstretched” cops in Renfrewshire are at higher risk of being assaulted and added that low morale among rank and file officers has meant many assaults on officers go unreported.
He said: “The officers that serve Renfrewshire are over stretched leading to a greater risk of being assaulted assault.”
The Scottish Government insists that police number in Scotland have suffered far less than in England and Wales, where numbers have been significantly reduced.
A spokesman said:“Operational policing is a matter for Police Scotland. Officer numbers remain significantly above the level inherited in 2007 compared to an almost 14 per cent decrease over the same period in England and Wales and we have protected Police Scotland’s revenue budget during this Parliament to deliver a £ 100 million boost.
“Scotland’s firm focus on prevention, responsive policing and local partnerships to help individuals and communities keep themselves safe has had a positive impact on long-term crime trends and people’s feeling of safety, with recorded crime at a 43-year low.”
The police do an incredible job, but the fact is their numbers keep dwindling