Police should not deal with ‘minor vandalism’

Former minister says force needs to concentrate on major crimes

Police officers are “run ragged” and should only attend major crimes, the former justice secretary has claimed.

Expecting an officer to attend incidents such as “minor” vandalism can no longer be justified as they must prioritise serious crime, Kenny MacAskill said.

Writing in the i newspaper he said that “some things can no longer be provided” and suggested that private security firms could take over roles such as stewarding and cyber protection.

Mr MacAskill, who was justice secretary from 2007 to 2014, said politicians and the public have to change what they expect police to do.

He wrote: “Terrorism, cyber crime and historic sexual abuse now take up a large amount of police resources. No wonder response officers are run ragged and there are fewer community officers.”

He added: “These new pressures mean some things can no longer be provided.

“The priority has to be keeping people safe and investigating serious crime.

“Expecting an officer to attend incidents of minor vandalism where there are no witnesses can no longer be justified.

“An email acknowledgement for the insurance company will have to suffice.

“Private security has already taken over some aspects of policing and such services will also be needed in other areas, such as cyber protection or stewarding roles.”

He said that mental health was the biggest drain on police resources and suggested the NHS should “step up to the mark” except when there was a threat to safety.

Mr MacAskill also said that Police Scotland, formally established on April 1 2013, has been “blighted” by errors and suspensions almost from its inception.

The troubled police force is without some of its most senior staff, with the chief constable on “special leave” while one of his assistants has been suspended.

Last week the auditor general criticised “unacceptable” examples of poor governance and use of public money at the Scottish Police Authority (SPA).

However, Mr MacAskill said a new chairman at the SPA, where Susan Deacon has just taken up the role and a “hugely respected deputy” chief constable taking charge of the force, offer “signs of stability”.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Police officer numbers are substantially higher than they were 10 years ago.

“The Policing 2026 programme will help ensure Scotland continues to benefit from a modern, responsive police service – increasing operational capacity and delivering the right mix of officers and staff to keep people safe and meet emerging challenges.

“This is being supported by our protection of Police Scotland’s resource budget throughout this Parliament, alongside provision of dedicated reform funding.”

Some things can no longer be provided. The priority has to be keeping people safe and investigating serious crime. KENNY MACASKILL