The thin blue line is disappearing on the SNP’s watch.
Despite the best efforts of dedicated officers, SNP cuts are having a horrendous impact on frontline policing.
At the very end of last year, it emerged that police stations in Bishopbriggs and Milngavie are up for closure.
This move will shock and appal local people, so I immediately launched a campaign to save those vital stations, which you can find out more about here: https://www.pamgosal.org.uk/campaigns/save-police-stations
I have made it very clear that these proposals are unacceptable and the SNP must rule them out immediately.
I recently wrote to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland about these closures.
In my letter, I raised concerns that these changes mean the number of officers operating in the local area could eventually be lowered.
I also highlighted that reducing the police presence could be a serious risk to public safety.
I noted that this move will only increase emergency response times for people across Bishopbriggs and Milngavie.
Ultimately, it could increase the number of crimes occurring in the area and decrease the likelihood of those crimes being solved.
I urged police chiefs to reconsider these proposals, while also making it clear that I fully understand the difficult predicament that Police Scotland is in as a result of budget cuts from the SNP Government.
I am aware that the root of this problem is the lack of funding from Humza Yousaf’s government.
In his response to my letter, the Local Police Commander for Greater Glasgow, Mark Sutherland, made it clear that funding is a large part of the problem. He said that the current situation “is not a sustainable position with the current funding provided to Police Scotland.”
I was grateful to see that the proposals are not yet set in stone, as he said that “the plans are at a consultation phase and all alternative solutions continue to be considered."
I also welcome his assurances that the “number of operational police officers in East Dunbartonshire will not reduce if Bishopbriggs and Milngavie Police Stations close. The officers currently based at these offices will continue to serve the communities of Bishopbriggs, Bearsden and Milngavie.”
While those commitments are welcome, there is no doubt in my mind that these closures will have a detrimental impact on frontline policing.
Humza Yousaf must deliver more funding so frontline officers can continue the excellence work they do to tackle crime.
In the upcoming Scottish Budget process over the coming months, I will keep pushing the SNP to provide more resources to Police Scotland so that these closures can be stopped.
