Public order laws uncosted, say police

Police chiefs fear other cuts will be needed when new powers come in

News, 8 November 2005

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Scotland's chief police officers have criticised the haste and lack of financial planning surrounding the Executive's Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.

In a submission to the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee, the chief officers' association ACPOS claims it was given only 13 days to comment on the bill, said to be the most significant measure in decades to affect policing.

The submission goes on to state that the administration of the proposed fotball banning orders, and the equipment needed for mandatory drug testing and roadside fingerprinting, will cost £4.2 million more than the figures given by the Executive.

The new Police Services Authority, Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency and Police Complaints Commissioner have also been undercosted and will be burdens on the taxpayer, it continues.

ACPOS is concerned that if police forces are not given additional funding to implement the new measures, they will require to reduce officer and support staff numbers as existing capital grant allocations have already been committed.

The Executive believes that the bill's provisions will create major savings through streamlining of police services.

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