Letter: Don't play politics with the police

I READ with dismay the scare-mongering comments of Councillor Norman Macleod, convener of the Northern Joint Police Board, in the article titled "Merger looms for police forces in Scotland" (News, 2 January), when he predicted "Policing in northern Scotland would be very much reduced".

The Sustainable Policing Project's "Interim Report" makes no formal recommendations, only suggestions, and work on any options for restructuring of police forces is ongoing.

Always quick to assert the political impartiality his role demands, Councillor Macleod rightly made no public comment when Iain Gray announced the Labour Party's preference for a single force. So, what has prompted Councillor Macleod to speak out so indiscreetly at this time? Well, whilst Councillor Macleod may have been elected as an "Independent", as May approaches perhaps it is party politics and electioneering that's at the forefront of this Scottish Labour Party member's mind?

Councillor John Finnie, SNP Group Leader, Highland Council