YOUR leader highlights an issue troubling many but challenged by few ("Policing policies and open debate", The Herald, July 29).
Alarmingly, the few do not appear to include Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
Since its inception, Police Scotland appears to have been unfettered in its operations, with no reference or assent from its political masters as to the wisdom or sensibility of newly-introduced operational pursuits. The net result of this lack of political intervention is Police Scotland considers itself empowered to treat any complaint or query from the general public with disdain.
Equally, reference to the so-called police watchdog (the Scottish Police Authority) can prove very disappointing. This toothless quango is often guilty of inordinate delay in replying, and also of failure to provide reasoned analytical comment on the customer's concerns. If ever the people of Scotland needed a timely reminder that Police Scotland is here to serve and not to dictate, it is now.
Thanks to The Herald for highlighting this issue of national importance which is being ignored by persons in high positions who should know better.
Allan C Steele,
22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.
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