SNP in crime force promise

THE SNP today pledged a Serious Crime Task Force to tackle organised crime in Scotland as the Tories promised 1500 extra police.

SNP justice spokesman Kenny MacAskill said the task force would bring extra expertise to existing agencies.

He said: "The SNP is committed to making communities across Scotland safer with a more visible police presence on our streets."

Murdo Fraser, deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said on average there were currently fewer than 150 police walking the beat at any one time in the whole of Scotland.

He said the Tories would introduce direct elections for police board conveners to make them more accountable.

"If crime is down, they can expect to keep their job. If it is up, they can expect to be replaced."