Aberdeenshire Council Co-Leader Comments on New NE Police Division

Commenting on the announcement of a new police division to serve North-east Scotland, SNP Co-Leader of Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Richard Thomson said:

“We believe that this merger will strengthen local policing and provide greater consistency of service across the North-east of Scotland.

“We have very positive and constructive working relationships with Police Scotland and we will continue to receive regular performance reports at committee, so that we are able to monitor the impact of the changes.”

“Like all public sector agencies, Police Scotland are facing significant budget challenges, and they must consider all opportunities to streamline their operations. Our residents want to feel that money is spent on local policing so they feel safe in their daily lives.

"Merger of the divisions can generate the savings needed to protect frontline policing, whilst maintaining operational effectiveness and retaining access to the full national resources of Police Scotland. That should be welcomed.”