A LEADING policing body has warned continuing uncertainty over Scotland's new single force is proving bad for morale among officers and staff.
The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS) made the claim as it welcomed the creation of a special policing sub-committee at the Scottish Parliament to oversee the launch of the force next month.
ASPS wants the sub-committee to be convened as soon as possible to help progress the development of the Police Service of Scotland and its regulator the Scottish Police Authority (SPA).
The two bodies have been at loggerheads over who should control certain functions including HR and technology, and the SPA has been criticised for the way it has conducted itself.
A statement issued by ASPS said: "As the start of the new Police Service of Scotland fast approaches, police staff and police officers are, together, ready to continue providing excellent policing.
"We would all like clarity on who runs policing in Scotland. Is it the chief constable or the Police Authority? The lack of clarity is bad for morale."
ASPS president Chief Superintendent David O'Connor added: "I am keen to see the new policing sub-committee get up and running.
"With cross party representation I believe it will have teeth and be able to get a grip on this situation, which is in the interests of the people of Scotland."
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