PRESSURE is growing on Scotland's police leaders to agree safeguards for officers who may be deployed to Northern Ireland, given the ongoing unrest in Belfast.
Brian Docherty, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, said issues were still outstanding over equipment and training of officers who could be dispatched to assist the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) during extreme unrest.
No formal request under mutual aid arrangements has yet been made to mainland UK forces in light of the clashes between loyalist protesters and police.
PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott has reportedly told Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers he will need "more resources" if unrest continues, with claims 200 Garda officers have been drafted in from the Republic.
Police have been dealing with days of violence over the decision to fly the Union flag at city hall on a limited number of days.
It flew yesterday for the first time since the agreement, to mark the Duchess of Cambridge's birthday.
Mr Docherty said talks to agree protocol to ensure the safety of Scottish officers should be finalised quickly given the current situation – which has left more than 100 officers injured – and the arrival of the G8 summit of world leaders in Enniskillen in the summer.
He said: "We would not see colleagues in Ireland facing these dangers alone and in emergency circumstances we would always be there. What we are looking for is to see our officers with the proper protection and the proper equipment.
"The main threat is the use of firearms and the use of incendiary devices, and the proper safeguards must be in place."
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