Officers wait to hear if they will be forced out

Strathclyde Police Authority will discuss imposing Regulation A19 on 77 officers in a meeting this morning.

The rule, under which experienced officers can be ordered to retire if it is in the economic interests of the force, has never been applied in Scotland.

It is fiercely opposed by both the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (Asps), and the Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers.

Representatives of both organisations met with Councillor Stephen Curran, authority convener, yesterday.

The 77 officers, who could be told to retire as early as 1 April, include two chief superintendents, five superintendents, four chief inspectors, 13 inspectors, 14 sergeants and 39 constables. Regulation A19 does not apply to chief constables, or deputy or assistant chief constables.

David O'Connor, president of Asps, said: "We do not believe there has been full engagement or consultation on the proposals put forward.

"I do not believe that Regulation A19 is a reasonable option when the force is now recruiting new constables and continues to promote across all ranks.

"Asps has serious concerns regarding the legitimacy of this approach."

Regulation A19 is being considered because police are faced with cuts of 2.6 per cent a year.

Several forces, including Strathclyde, have set targets for a reduction in the number of officers on the payroll. The force announced in August plans to cut 200 officers and 600 civilians.

However, while civilians can be made redundant, police legally cannot.

Strathclyde Police Authority declined to comment.