NEW SCOTTISH POLICE FORCE MOOTED

New Squad Could Take Over Major Criminal Inquiries

A new Scottish police force to tackle organised crime could be set up
within two years pending Executive approval, it has been reported. A
new ninth police force would be independent of Scotland's eight other
police forces and would answer directly to Justice Minister Jim
Wallace. The Sunday Mail newspaper reported that planning was at an
advanced stage for the new force, which would target major figures in
the drugs trade and criminal underworld.

Jim Wallace announced in November that as an outcome of the review of
the whole structure of the police force, we would be looking closely
at what common police services might be better delivered and what
functions might come under the common services heading.

Scottish Executive spokesman However, a spokesman for the Scottish
Executive said consultation was still at an early stage, adding that
a new body may or may not be set up.

He said: "Jim Wallace announced in November that as an outcome of the
review of the whole structure of the police force, we would be
looking closely at what common police services might be better
delivered and what functions might come under the common services
heading.

"This will be taken forward this year by a common services board in
consultation with all interested bodies," he said.

Major Criminal Inquiries

The Sunday Mail said the new force could take over major criminal
inquiries from local police forces and offer assistance to them.

It also reported that the force would take control of the Scottish
Police Training College and helicopter surveillance teams.

Recruitment and training of police officers and the running of all
police laboratories and forensic departments would also be undertaken
by the new force, it said.

The Executive spokesman said all these areas would count as common
services but declined to say whether or not they might be brought
under the control of a single body.

According to the report, the force would bring together the Scottish
Drugs Enforcement Agency (SDEA), the Scottish Crime Squad and the
Scottish Criminal Records Office.

Justice Minister Jim Wallace already looking at 'common police services'

And it said SDEA director Jim Orr was one of the favourites to get
the post of chief constable.

About 300 officers and civilian support staff would transfer from
existing forces to create the new body and new officers would be
recruited to replace them, it reported.

Fred McManus, president of the Association of Scottish Police
Superintendents, said his members welcomed the proposals but wanted
more details.

He said: "We have been told that there will be a consultation
document to give everyone a chance to give their views.

"We are in favour of any idea which improves the quality of service
the police delivers to the public."