Police Scotland loses 500 officers daily for court duties

Police Scotland is facing significant challenges as approximately 500 officers are required to attend court each day, which detracts from their ability to patrol the streets. Chief Constable Jo Farrell highlighted that only a small percentage of these officers, estimated at around 15%, are actually called to provide evidence in court. This situation has led to inefficiencies within the justice system, as many officers are taken off active duty unnecessarily. The impact of this issue is not only felt in terms of officer availability but also financially. The force incurred costs of £3 million last year due to overtime payments for officers attending court without being called to testify. This financial burden further strains the resources of Police Scotland, which is already grappling with rising crime rates. Farrell's comments were made during a session with Holyrood’s criminal justice committee in May, where she emphasized the need for a more efficient justice system. The current backlog in Scottish courts exacerbates the problem, as it forces officers to spend time in court rather than engaging in crime prevention and community safety efforts. As crime, particularly shoplifting, continues to rise, the situation calls for urgent reforms. The chief constable's remarks underline the necessity for a collaborative approach to streamline court processes, ensuring that police resources are utilized effectively to enhance public safety and reduce crime rates across Scotland.