Police juggle rotas to cope with referendum day

SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE: Police Scotland has re-scheduled rest days for officers amid fears a high voter turnout could lead to long queues outside polling stations.

Police are appealing for information. Picture: TSPL

The force denied reports all annual leave had been scrapped, but said some officers who had rest days planned for the day of the vote would be re-rostered.

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Senior figures within the police are understood to be concerned a large turnout, particularly later in the evening, could put pressure on polling stations. Police Scotland refused to comment on its plans for tomorrow, but it is understood there will be a bigger police presence than normal at many polling places. There was anger and protests when voters were turned away from polling stations during the 2010 General Election after a larger than expected turnout at towns and cities across the UK.

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Superintendent Jim Baird said Police Scotland was not cancelling annual leave for officers on 18 and 19 September.

“The referendum is a significant event which is expected to attract a higher than normal turnout,” he said. “Policing arrangements for the referendum are well in hand and will be appropriate.”