Letter: Keep an open mind on policing review

I WAS disappointed to see in Scotland on Sunday's editorial (6 March) Acpos accused of self-interest because its incoming chair suggested that the current government consultation on police reform might be weighted towards a single force.

From my reading of the situation, all Acpos vice-president Kevin Smith was calling for was a real and meaningful debate on an issue of vital importance in terms of community safety to the people of Scotland. I believe Mr Smith is correct in calling for such a debate; it needs to happen. Such a government position is legitimate if it was made clear that this was a political decision, rather than it being suggested there is real evidence to back it. As yet, I can assure you there is nothing definitive.

Cosla is not averse to change. We accept that now is the time to re-think the whole public sector landscape, however this must be based on robust evidence and a business case that generates improved outcomes for local communities. Public sector reform must focus on the improvement of outcomes and look at the "whole system": about funding arrangements and investment decisions that support public services; about the systems that drive organisational behaviours; about the policy and legal constructs that govern service activity; about the core principles of democratic governance; and only then about boundaries and structures.

I fear that, on the reform of police, the government has made its mind up on the solution and hopes that we will all help them justify that conclusion. All that Cosla and, I believe, Acpos wants is a rational and fully informed debate on the way forward for police as an integral part of the broader public sector reform agenda. This consultation patently does not achieve that.

Cllr Barbara Grant, Cosla spokesperson for Community Safety, Edinburgh