Police morale is sinking fast

HAVING served 30 years in the police service I feel more than qualified to endorse the letter by WMacIntyre (October 5) and others relative to closing control rooms and reducing manned police offices.

I remember when police officers worked in the town they resided in, had an excellent working knowledge of their area and local criminals and were respected by the local community. There were also local control rooms and offices which were manned by local staff who had an intimate knowledge of the area. Senior officers were also local and well respected by both officers and the public.

The formation of the national police force is a step too far by our SNP Government, taken for the sole purpose of trying to save money.

The potential closing of public counters, which some senior officers say will free officers for street duties is misguided as the majority of such offices are manned by civilian staff who, despite years of loyal service, are being dismissed as an irrelevance(“New police Scotland cuts row”, The Herald, October 3). As far as devolved control rooms are concerned try reporting something; if you get through you are required to spell everything due to the lack of local knowledge.

Senior officers now appear more concerned with target-driven initiatives which are devolved to divisions but lack any real concern regarding the welfare of officers and civilian staff.

Front-line officers are tired of devolved initiatives and being transferred from one area to another to save on overtime. It is not surprising that police morale is low and record numbers are leaving.

As far as the public is concerned the potential closure of police offices is short-sighted, especially if one is required to produce documentation. Not everyone is able to use a computer or phone. The SNP and certain others have a lot to answer for.