Glasgow bears the brunt as police numbers fall
The country has lost more than 400 officers since 2013
Last updated 17th May 2019
Glasgow's losing more that double the number of police officers than any other part of Scotland.
Figures show there are 174 fewer than six years ago when Police Scotland was created in 2013, and 409 have been lost across the country
It’s prompted concerns about public confidence from Scottish Secretary David Mundell.
He says: “While centralisation of some specialist shared services may be a factor, that does not compensate for a less visible police presence at community level.
"A recurring and growing concern at my surgeries is that there appears to be fewer officers on the ground in our communities. That situation must be reversed.
"A local police presence helps prevent and detect crime whilst providing welcome reassurance to the public."
Mr Mundell is now planning meetings with senior divisional officers in a bid to ensure Police Scotland has the resources needed to maintain or ideally increase community-based policing.
The Scottish Government says the number of officers has risen by 81 since March 2018, and it is investing an additional £42m into the force this year.