Finnie urges devolution of resources to deliver genuine local policing
Speaking in today's Holyrood debate on Police Scotland, John Finnie MSP, Justice spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, urged "devolution of resources, including finance, to deliver genuine local policing."
The Green MSPs rejected the debate motion put forward by the Lib Dems, with Mr Finnie criticising Willie Rennie's party for its "overt attack" on Police Scotland's structure and strategy.
John, who served as a police officer for 30 years, said:
"The strategic functions of Police Scotland are delivering results, whether in organised crime, human trafficking or terrorism. The real issue is local accountability.
"We need to see early and comprehensive devolution of resources within Police Scotland, including finance, to deliver genuine local policing which can be robustly scrutinised by democratically elected committees.
"We need to challenge those with the romantic notion that in the old days everything was good in policing. But there's no doubt the SPA has a way to go to build a positive reputation.
"With devolution of decision-making in line with local policing plans we can reflect real community needs."