Fears over ministerial interference in policing

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) also says councillors must make up more than half of the new board that will oversee the management of the force.

The controversial overhaul was initially opposed by Cosla, and its president, Pat Watters, will set out the organisation’s concerns when he appears before MSPs on Holyrood’s justice committee today.

At the moment, government ministers do not get involved in live police inquiries, to ensure independence is maintained. But Cosla fears the new bill that will create a single force could throw this important principle into confusion.

In a submission to the committee, it draws attention to one part of the bill, which states that the Scottish Police Authority “must comply with any direction … by ministers”, while a latter clause indicates that a direction “may not be given” on operational matters.

“Each is a statement in its own right and it is difficult to determine which might actually take precedence,” it states. “This is a new duty and Acpos [the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland], among others, has questioned the need for it.”

The submission adds: “In terms of ministers setting strategic priorities relating to the ‘policing of Scotland’, we seek clarification on how that might avoid relating to operational matters.”

Cosla has previously voiced fears that police will be accountable to a quango instead of elected bodies. It is calling for a board of 15, instead of 11, to be created.

Its submission adds: “We would argue that at least eight be serving elected members, appointed by Cosla, but having received the appropriate security clearance.”