ONE of Scotland's most senior police officers has called for a wholesale review and massive reorganisation of Scotland's forces.
Tom Buchan, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, believes the eight forces should be merged to form three or four to make them more effective.
His views, which he will discuss at the association's annual conference in Peebles later this week, are likely to bring him into direct confrontation with most of Scotland's chief constables, who have stated that mergers are unnecessary.
The move follows the decision to reduce the 43 forces in England and Wales.
The proposal followed a report from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary which said that many forces could not provide adequate "protective services" to combat terrorism and organised crime.
Forces with fewer than 4000 officers were deemed too small to fulfil the complex functions required.
However, only Strathclyde, Scotland's largest force, has more than 4000 police officers. "I think it is inevitable that the forces will be restructured, particularly when you look at what's happening south of the border, " Mr Buchan said.
"What is so different between policing in Scotland and policing in England? How can we justify one force per 650,000 population average in Scotland when in England the average would be one force per 2.5m people?"
He added: "The association's view is that we are not precious about the number of forces; the issue is what is best for the public. My own view is that three or fourwould be more appropriate and would be likely to facilitate greater consistency of approach."
Last week the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland indicated it wanted forces to work "more closely" but does not want amalgamations.
Meanwhile, plans to recall hundreds of retired police officers to investigate unsolved crimes and assist with major murder inquiries were given a cautious welcome yesterday.
Former detectives will be used to take witness statements, scan CCTV and investigate cold case reviews of historic murders in a move to make forces more flexible and prevent staffing shortages.
The Herald revealed yesterday that Strathclyde police will pilot the project for 12 months, using recruitment suppliers to provide retired officers and civilian staff.
Kenny MacAskill, the SNP justice spokesman, said: "If this is about cost-cutting it is not to be welcomed but if it is to do with adding older and wiser heads to help with backroom duties then it is a good idea."
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