This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Front-line policing remains Executive priority
25/09/2003
Commenting as Sir Roy Cameron's published his annual HM Inspectorate of Constabulary report, and ahead of a Parliamentary debate on criminal justice and policing issues, the Deputy Justice Minister today reaffirmed the Executive's commitment to strengthen front-line policing in the fight against crime and the fear of crime.
Hugh Henry said:
"I agree with Sir Roy's report in which it says there is much that is positive in Scottish policing.
"The Executive has championed increased police numbers, together with more civilian staff, improved technology and other measures which will ensure more frontline police spend more time on tackling crime.
"The HMIC Thematic Report on Police Visibility and Reassurance 'Narrowing the Gap' published in 2002 highlighted public expectations in terms of higher police visibility.
"In it Sir Roy acknowledged that effective policing is not just a question of police numbers but also 'effective deployment, absence management, tackling bureaucracy and diverting police from inappropriate responsibilities.'
"That is precisely why the Executive is committed to both investment and reform. We said that we would deliver record numbers of police officers and record resources - we have and we will sustain that. That investment has already delivered an increase of 848 officers since June 2000.
"Other Executive-backed initiatives will consolidate this investment by ensuring policing resources are used to the greatest effect and ensure more police are engaged and deployed in the jobs they were trained for - supporting communities.
"These include
The review of common police services is looking at back office services and how the provision of services within and between forces can be made more efficient.
We are also making available money so that police officers can be equipped with the latest technology.
The Executive is committed to supporting forces in streamlining call handling facilities to provide a better service to the public and to make it easier for them to call the police. Most Scottish forces are currently developing centralised call handling facilities for this purpose and many will come on line from next year.
The High Court Reform Bill should see police officers having to spend less time waiting to be called to give evidence in court. For example, in the High Court fixing a trial diet only in cases where a trial is necessary should reduce the number of witnesses, including police witnesses, that require to be cited.
In addition, subject to the successful conclusion of an on-going tendering process, the Executive will make available an additional resources available to support the contracting out of prison escort duties. This could mean as many as 300 officers being released for other operational duties.
"The Executive is and will continue to work alongsideScotland's police forces to deliver a safer, strongerScotland."