Major Weaknesses Uncovered In Police Review

Major weaknesses in Police Scotland's call handling system have been uncovered in a report released today.

It was called for after the deaths of Lamara Bell and John Yuill in a car crash off the M9 near Stirling - police took 3 days to find them.

The review suggests more can be done to support police call handlers in assesing the risk of incoming 999 calls. It also calls for staffing issues, such as availability and morale - to be addressed.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP said: "The Inspector has uncovered appalling failures including insufficient staff, inadequate oversight, low staff morale and calls being recorded on scribble pads.  Police chiefs lost sight of what is important.

"It took the tragic deaths of Lamara Bell and John Yuill on the side of the M9 before this report was ordered by the Scottish Government. This is a defining moment for the SNPs centralisation agenda.  Their handling of Police Scotland has been casual and cavalier, undermining the excellent work of police officers and civilian staff.

"When I raised control room closures the First Minister accused me of ‘spreading gloom, doom and despondency’. And when the Justice Secretary finally ordered this report he told us it was only to confirm that everything was operating well.

"The Scottish Government should have listened to warnings earlier. We can’t allow things to carry on with denial and bluster from government ministers. They have got it so wrong on so many things. We need to know what else is going on behind closed doors.

"The case for a wider inquiry into the operations of Police Scotland is now overwhelming."

Gerry Crawley, UNISON Regional Organiser for police staff said: "UNISON Police staff members have been highlighting problems inherent in the Contact, Command and Control strategic direction. We are pleased that our concerns have been listened to and have been reflected in this report. 

"The report recommendations are vital to ensure our members wellbeing in this high pressure environment that has been under such scrutiny recently. We call on Police Scotland to implement the recommendations"