51 fewer police officers in Borders and Lothian
New statistics show the number of police officers across the Borders and Lothian has fallen dramatically in just a few years.
Figures published by the justice and social affairs publication, 1919 Magazine, revealed the reduction in police officers by division across Scotland.
In the Lothian and Borders division, there are 51 fewer officers in the area than there were three years ago, which is a 5.4 per cent reduction since March 2020.
Commenting on the national figures, David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Community officers go to events, get to know children, the parents, and they get to know the criminals. This all makes a positive difference, but when you take it away the barriers come up and rather than policing by consent, it becomes a force rather than a service. We’re not a pro-active service anymore, it’s just reactive, and that makes a difference in the longer term.”
Scottish Borders MSP, Rachael Hamilton, said: “It is extremely disappointing that SNP cuts have reduced the number of police officers on our streets.
“The public will inevitably be less safe when there are fewer officers patrolling local communities.
“The SNP must invest in Scottish policing so that Borders residents don’t suffer at the hands of criminals.”
