Tories suggest using forces veterans to boost Police Scotland staffing

Servicemen and women preparing to leave the armed forces should be fast-tracked into Police Scotland to boost staffing levels, the Scottish Conservatives have said.

The party’s veterans spokesman, Maurice Corry, wants trial schemes near areas that had large military communities.

His plan involves veterans joining the force initially 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 has more 0 ACC John Hawkins said the role of specials was changing than halved since 2013, dropping from 1,387 to 610.

Mr Corry said his proposal would help increase policing staff and give those leaving the armed forces a way back into the civilian workforce. He previously looked at the idea as a councillor in Helensburgh, which is near the Faslane naval base.

Mr Corry will now prepare a formal proposal on the trial schemes.

Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins said special constable numbers had changed in recent years as many joined the police full time and others who have been inactive for long periods had left.

He added: “We are currently in the process of developing plans to recruit and train special constables in local communities across Scotland rather than centrally.”