LOCAL COMMUNITIES AT HEART OF POLICE REFORM

For immediate use: Wednesday 12th January 2011



Attn: NEWSDESKS


JUSTICE CORRESPONDENTS



SNP FOCUSSED ON KEEPING SCOTLAND SAFE


Local communities and retaining connections between police and the communities they serve will be at the heart of reforming police services under the SNP.



SNP Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today invited police and fire services, communities and people across Scotland to share their views with the Government on how to enhance local accountability while reducing bureaucracy and management structures across the country.


SNP MSP and Justice Committee member Stewart Maxwell, who previously worked for Strathclyde Fire Service said:


“The SNP's priority is to build on the progress we have made in making Scotland’s communities safer with over 1000 additional police on the streets and the lowest rates of crime in 32 years.


“With services as important as police and fire the SNP understands the importance of asking communities, local authorities, police and fire officers for their views on so we can build a better police and fire service backed by people across Scotland.


“Where opposition parties are seeking to impose a centralised police service without offering any local control or any consultation with communities the SNP is putting local safety, local communities and local needs at the heart of reforming the police service.



“With services as important as police and fire it is essential that we work together across Scotland to improve local accountability and continue all our efforts to make Scotland safer.”


Dave Thompson MSP for the Highlands and Islands and Justice Committee member said:



“I am pleased that Kenny MacAskill, as an SNP Justice Minister, knows the importance of local communities and the difference between policing in Glasgow and policing in rural Highlands and has given an assurance that he wants to see local control enhanced.


“I would urge communities across the Highlands and Islands to share their views with me and with the Scottish Government on how we can enhance local control, protect police numbers and reduce management costs.



“While the Lib Dems are willing to sacrifice front line officers in favour of senior managers salaries and Labour want to centralise services with no thought for local needs the SNP is working together with people and police officers across Scotland to build a better police service with local communities at its heart.“


ENDS