This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Debate on police accountability
05/02/2004
The Deputy Justice Minister, Hugh Henry has dismissed
suggestions that convenors of Police Boards need to be
directly elected to ensure public accountability.
Commenting ahead of a Scottish Parliament debate on
police accountability, Mr Henry said:
"Enhancing public safety is one of our top justice
priorities. It is a priority we take seriously and a
priority we are delivering on.
"The police provide a crucial service to the public,
tackling crime and reducing the fear of crime. Our police
forces are currently achieving clear-up rates at higher
levels than at any point since the Second World War.
"Funding for the police is at record levels as is the
number of police officers. The Executive is determined
that these resources continue to be managed effectively in
order to help make Scotland safer.
"I do not believe that the proposal to introduce locally
elected conveners of Police Boards will result in more
effective working at local level. Foisting a convenor on a
board having not been chosen by its members has little
benefit in terms of accountability, performance or
democratic input.
"The development of Best Value throughout the police
service has and will enhance service delivery,
responsiveness and effectiveness in the future. Likewise
the implementation of Community Planning means that police
forces are increasingly working together with councils and
other local partners to tackle issues jointly. The way
forward for policing in Scotland is through collaboration
and community involvement."