Public views sought on armed police officers

THE Scottish Police Authority is seeking the public’s view on armed policing.

Views are needed to inform the organisation’s scrutiny inquiry into Police Scotland’s decision to allow trained armed response officers to carry visible firearms on routine patrols.

Questionnaires were issued to more than 350 groups to gauge the level and nature of the public’s concerns over the standing firearms authority.

The SPA also want to establish how effectively Police Scotland engaged with the public and how much consideration the force gave to communities when it adopted the change. Prior to April 2013, guns were locked in a cabinet in the boot of patrol cars.

SPA is also holding a series of public evidence sessions across the country in the next few months to allow members to hear views and concerns first-hand.

SPA board member, and chair of the scrutiny inquiry, Iain Whyte said few issues have stimulated as much opinion and debate in recent months as the role of armed officers in Scottish policing.

He added: "That’s why the SPA believes the call for evidence we are undertaking is a tremendous opportunity for an accurate assessment of the nature and level of public concerns to be captured, and for communities and their representatives to make their voices heard. We are listening, we want your views, and we will ensure that the public voice is reflected in our inquiry and informs our findings on this issue. I urge everyone in Scotland to get engaged and play their part."

The closing date for submitting written evidence is October 17.

• Visit the SPA website and download the questionnaire at www.spa.police.uk

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