REPORT TO SCOTTISH COUNCIL FEBRUARY 2005

SCOTTISH POLICE COMMITTEE

We have had a good few months experience of supporting the Committee and so far so good. Here is a genuine ethos of collaborative working that is bound to pay dividends for Police Staff members in the potentially difficult times that lie ahead.

The G8 Summit will take place in July and will run for two days. Clearly a major event of this magnitude needs careful planning and policing but it is hard to see why two forces - Tayside (the host Force) and Strathclyde have decided that there will be no annual leave for the first two weeks in July. No satisfactory explanation has been given and members are now beginning to submit leave requests. Appeals look likely and a busy spell is anticipated.

The G8 experience highlights the trend towards the Police perception that our members are subject to the command and control regime applicable to Police Officers. Police Branches and Local Government Branches with police members are right to be concerned as this attitude is only going to get worse.

To end on a more positive note; Scotland hosted the National Glasgow Police Seminar during November. The seminar was very successful and delegates were pleased to be in in Glasgow.

Hugh Hendry, Depute Justice Minister addressed delegates on the Friday evening. His contribution was very well received particularly the question and answer session.

Thanks are due to Scottish Region and Strathclyde Police and Fire Branch for the assistance that contributed to the events success.

Thanks also due to Joe Di Paola and Margaret O'Neil for easing the transition of officer support during 2004.

ANN RUSSELL/PETER VELDON
Regional Organisers (Police)