This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Debate on police accountability
05/02/2004
The Deputy Justice Minister, Hugh Henry has dismissed suggestions that convenors of Police Boards need to be directly elected to ensure public accountability.
Commenting ahead of a Scottish Parliament debate on police accountability, Mr Henry said:
"Enhancing public safety is one of our top justice priorities. It is a priority we take seriously and a priority we are delivering on.
"The police provide a crucial service to the public, tackling crime and reducing the fear of crime. Our police forces are currently achieving clear-up rates at higher levels than at any point since the Second World War.
"Funding for the police is at record levels as is the number of police officers. The Executive is determined that these resources continue to be managed effectively in order to help make Scotland safer.
"I do not believe that the proposal to introduce locally elected conveners of Police Boards will result in more effective working at local level. Foisting a convenor on a board having not been chosen by its members has little benefit in terms of accountability, performance or democratic input.
"The development of Best Value throughout the police service has and will enhance service delivery, responsiveness and effectiveness in the future. Likewise the implementation of Community Planning means that police forces are increasingly working together with councils and other local partners to tackle issues jointly. The way forward for policing in Scotland is through collaboration and community involvement."