Open debate
That is not, however, the only consideration. A review of the experiences of the London Metropolitan Police (effectively a single force there) and the police force in Eire (a single police force) affords many examples of the kind of difficulties a single police force can run into.
Consideration should be given to a systemic reform which would save costs but still provide cover where necessary by way of a reduced number of separate police forces operating completely independently.
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Hide AdIn addressing and deciding these issues, the hope must be that – in this new Scottish Parliament – they will be fully debated and that the proposed reform of a single force will not be simply nodded through on procedure in a chamber full of empty seats.
Richard N M Anderson
Faculty of Advocates
Parliament House
Edinburgh