Thousands of Police Scotland officers were forced to work 16 hour days during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland earlier this week, according to a leading police union.
David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), told The Herald that the force is in dire need of more officers ahead of the Commonwealth Games and other large events next summer.
“The last week has been frustrating for officers,” Mr Kennedy said. “It was very tiring; long hours and long days. Officers were on 12 hour shifts, but if you include the time spent being transported to staging hubs, they were working 15 to 16 hour days.
“Police Scotland did their best, but we don't have enough police officers for these sorts of events. We’ve had to rely on folks from across the UK. There’s an additional cost to that.”
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond said: "This significant event took place safely without any serious disruption.
“A policing plan was put in place to maintain public safety, balance rights to peaceful protest and minimise disruption.
“I’d like to thank the public for their patience as we worked tirelessly to deliver this operation, while police work continued in communities across Scotland.
Constable Bond added: “Most importantly, I’d like to thank our officers and staff. Thank you for your professionalism and hard work during every long shift away from your family and friends.
"Every single officer and member of police staff should be incredibly proud of how we delivered this significant operation while keeping communities safe across Scotland.”
Prior to Mr Trump’s visit, Mr Kennedy had said the SPF was exploring the possibility of legal action.
Last week, he told BBC Scotland: "There are breaches taking place within those workforce agreements which we are really deeply concerned about.
"We are now having to seek whether or not we are going to have to take action against the service because of it."
“We’re surviving these events, and we really shouldn’t. People shouldn’t have to cancel their annual leave and their rest allocations to come into work.
“We have a lot of major events in the works, and we need more support. For example, the Commonwealth Games are coming up next year and the US Vice President is visiting on August 13th.
“Our message to the Scottish Government is clear, we need more police officers.”
The Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place in Glasgow next summer, between July 23 and August 2; and US Vice President JD Vance will visit the UK in August.
He is expected to fly to London in mid-August before travelling to the Cotswolds, and later, Scotland.
Police Scotland said the total cost of security for Mr Trump’s visit has yet to be determined, although Constable Bond said it would be a “significant amount of money.”
Catering staff served more than 45,000 meals to police officers and staff over the course of the operation.
The force announced that four arrests and two recorded police warnings took place between 25 and 29 July.
Read more:
Thousands of pounds raised for family of beloved Scottish vegan baker
Chewing gum cull on main Aberdeen thoroughfare after £27k grant
Edinburgh Airport strike action called off after union negotiates trade deal
A 24-year-old man was arrested in Glasgow on 25 July, in relation to Section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing Scotland (Act) offence (threatening or abusive behaviour) in Balmedie on 24 July. He is due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on 20 August.
A 65-year-old woman was arrested at Balmedie on 25 July in relation to a Section 38 offence. She was cautioned and charged and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
A 25-year-old man was arrested in Prestwick on 25 July, and issued with a Recorded Police Warning (RPW) for a Section 38 offence.
A 41-year-old man was arrested at Glasgow airport on 27 July, for assault and an Aviation Act offence. He appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court on 28 July, and was remanded in custody.
A 50-year-old woman issued with an RPW on 27 July near the American Consulate in Edinburgh for a Section 38 offence.
Share