Keeping Scotland Safe and Strong - A Consultation on Reforming Police and Fire and Rescue Services in Scotland: Analysis of Consultation Responses

8. GENERAL ISSUES

Question 12: Are there any other issues we should consider in creating the Scottish police service?

8.1 Many consultees responded to this question by summing up their key points or re-emphasising a comment they had made earlier. However, the following new issues were raised by 2 or more respondents:

• Care should be taken not to lose the strengths of current local partnership working and the benefits of local knowledge. (10 respondents)
• Careful planning for the transition phase is required to ensure the standard of service delivery is not affected and a framework of accountability is operating effectively. (8 respondents)
• Greater clarity is required on how predicted savings will be met, with particular concern over possible job losses amongst police staff. (8 respondents) One respondent commented:

"One of the main justifications for moving to a single service has been financial savings and it is vital that the predicted savings set out in the Scottish Government's Business Case are achieved to allow savings to be reinvested in the service to protect and enhance the current service" (LA).

• Attention should be paid to maintaining public confidence, with investment in marketing and branding of the new service. (4 respondents)
• ICT systems will need to be integrated, strengthened and ready to support the new service. (3 respondents)
• Reforms should be introduced carefully to avoid detriment to local economies, particularly in rural areas. (4 respondents)
• One single police service will find it challenging to be able to respond to the needs of all areas of Scotland. One size may not fit all. (2 respondents)
• Consideration is required on the future arrangements for activities such as police charities and police historical archives which are currently managed on a police force basis. (2 respondents)
• Lessons should be drawn from elsewhere, for example in the selection system for senior positions and co-operating across boundaries. (2 respondents)