National force unit launched

Chief Scottish Political Correspondent

Wednesday 6 March 2013

MURDERS, rapes, drugs offences and human trafficking are among crimes already being investigated by a powerful new division of Police Scotland, less than a month before the single national force starts work.

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ROBBIE DINWOODIE CHIEF SCOTTISH POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

The Specialist Crime Division (SCD), comprising of more than 2000 officers and staff "from Shetland to Stranraer", became operational yesterday after existing chief constables signed a protocol allowing it to begin work before the April 1 policing shake-up.

The unit is an integral part of Police Scotland and its functions reach right down into community policing. It takes over the functions of the existing, but smaller, Serious Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency.In addition to drugs and organised crime, its remit will also include the national rape taskforce, human trafficking, major crime investigations and crime reviews, national and regional intelligence bureaux, border control, counter-terrorism, and community policing.Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingston, who is in charge of the SCD, said: "Threat and harm posed by those who commit violence, engage in organised crime, undermine public safety through being organised in terrorism, or prey on the most vulnerable in society, will be targeted."Criminals have no regard for boundaries and borders. "The creation of a national capability in the SCD will give us increased flexibility to go where they go, and target them where they operate. "Importantly, we will be where communities and the public needs us most, at the most critical times."The new division will initially be based at Pitt Street in Glasgow before moving to new headquarters at the Gartcosh Crime Campus.However, it is intended that the majority of senior, specialist detectives will be based all round the country as the SCD has a presence in every division in Scotland.Mr Livingston said: "We feel this structure offers best value, makes best operational sense and is best for public safety." Some crimes, such as rape and sexual assault, will be covered by dedicated staff from the new division in all 14 geographical divisions. Other areas, such as border control, will be concentrated in maritime and aviation centres.The new concentration of expertise is also aimed to allow "future proofing" of emerging crimes such as trafficking and cybercrime. Mr Livingston said: "We are reforming from a position of strength as Scotland has both a strong international reputation and strong public support."Police Scotland Chief Constable Stephen House said: "The Specialist Crime Division epitomises the way policing will be delivered by the single service – nationally managed but locally delivered."Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill predicted that the new division would build on best current practices "to provide first-class policing on a local, national and international scale and to keep our communities free from harm".Figures released yesterday showed that police numbers in Scotland stood at 17,436 at the end of last year, 1202 up since the SNP came to power in 2007. This meant the party's pledge of 1000 extra officers still held.However, opposition parties were critical of the way the loss of civilian staff was now forcing more officers into backroom jobs. Mr MacAskill contrasted the Scottish record with that of declining numbers south of the Border.

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National force unit launched

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