Police officer numbers in Scotland could fall without more funding
It's according to the Scottish Police Federation ahead of next week's budget
The number of police officers could fall below 16,000 next year without an increase in funding, the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) has claimed.
It comes after Chief Constable Jo Farrell asked the government for £128 million extra funding a few weeks ago.
Budget cuts and reductions in officer numbers will lead to "communities being less safe", an increase in crime and stress and mental health issues for officers, the SPF has warned.
In a letter to Justice Secretary Angela Constance ahead of next week’s budget announcement, SPF officers said: “Officers are policing with one arm tied behind our backs and our fingers crossed.
"The public are losing faith in the police"
"The fact is that the public are losing faith in and support for the police.
"This sorry situation is bound to get worse unless an immediate injection of funding is provided to the police.
"How can we ever hope to change the culture within our organisation or re-engage with our communities against a backdrop of training embargoes, hundreds of officers leaving the service and not being replaced due to recruitment freezes, and a continuous and relentless demand for our service?
"Without the correct investment, it is simply not possible.
Communities across Scotland are suffering
"The communities in all areas of Scotland are suffering negative consequences of police under-funding.
"Our members are suffering too, from overwork, stress, sickness, disruption to what should be time off and from feelings of low value and respect."
The letter comes after an announcement from Police Scotland that 29 buildings - including police stations - are to be closed and sold off, with a consultation launched on the future of another 15.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: "Policing is a priority for this Government which is why, despite difficult financial circumstances due to UK Government cuts, we increased police funding by £80 million to £1.45 billion in 2023-24.
"Worst case scenario"
"The Deputy First Minister said that the UK Government's autumn statement delivered the 'worst case scenario' for Scotland's finances.
"Ministers are assessing the full implications of that statement as they develop a Budget that meets the needs of the people of Scotland, in line with our missions of equality, community and opportunity."