Dumfries Police control room – McLeod writes to Chief Constable and Police Authority Chairman
SNP MSP for the South of Scotland Dr Aileen McLeod has written to Chief Constable of Police Scotland Sir Stephen House and Chairman of the Scottish Police Authority Vic Emery to express serious concerns over the proposed closure of the Police control room in Dumfries.
Dr McLeod commented today:
“I am dismayed that Police Scotland is proposing to close the Dumfries control room and I am very unhappy indeed that this proposal has been brought forward by them with six day’s notice and, as far as I can see, no local consultation or engagement whatever.
“People are very angry indeed with this high-handed approach and I fully support them in that. I have therefore written to both the Chief Constable and the Chairman of the Scottish Police Authority, to which he is accountable, to advise them of those concerns in no uncertain terms.
“This is Police Scotland’s proposal – they developed it and did the background work to justify it – so I have also asked whether at any time Dumfries was considered as a location for any of the national force support services. I want to know whether any future role for Dumfries in these new plans was even considered.
“I have also asked the SPA Chairman to consider carefully whether he is satisfied the case for closing the Dumfries control room has been made and whether he feels that six day’s notice of this decision is enough to fully consider all of the options. I have to say that I am not convinced on either count.
“I hope that Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority, which will make the final decision, will reconsider and take more time to examine the alternatives.”
14.01.28-Dumfries-Police-control-room-McLeod-writes-to-Chief-Constable-and-Police-Authority-Chairman.docx
