The SNP are partaking in a “frantic rush” to establish a single Scottish police force, according to Scottish Labour.
It was revealed that the single Scottish fire and police services will aim to be established on 1 April 2013, at a meeting of the local government and regeneration committee on Wednesday.
Discussing the Scottish Government’s Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill, they also revealed that the fire service will be based at Perth Community Fire Station, while the police service will be based at the Scottish Police College in Fife.
Chief Constable Kevin Smith, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland emphasised that there was a great deal of work to be done before next April. He also indicated that the change would not occur overnight.
“Reform will not stop on the first day of the new organisation and the service will continue to take shape over the next five years to ensure it’s fit for purpose and makes the savings which are required in a challenging financial landscape.
“All of this work is taking place at the same time as we continue to deliver high levels of performance. We cannot, and will not, take our eye off the ball in delivering business as usual.
“Our people are what make the police service tick. As we go through reform, leadership across the service will be important to make sure the Police Service of Scotland is delivered and that visible and responsive policing to communities continues at a high level.”
Scottish Labour however warned that the “frantic rush” to meet justice secretary Kenny MacAskill’s “artificial deadline” will mean that thousands of jobs will be lost with very minimal cost savings when compared to if the job was done “properly”.
Lewis Macdonald, Labour’s justice spokesman said, “Our police and fire services are far too important to be subject to short-term political fixes.
“Ministers need to explain why they are proposing the structures outlined in the bill, with no period for transition from eight forces to one and no shadow authorities to manage the change.
“So far, with no explanations offered, the jury is out on whether the target date of 1 April 2013 can really be delivered.”
