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Cop court scandal as 9 in 10 officers wait to give evidence but never used

6 months ago

9 in 10 officers wait to give evidence but never used...

A probe found 93 per cent of officers are often kept hanging about court for hours only to be told they are not needed.

deputy general secretary David Kennedy said: “This is a total waste of the public purse, particularly when police officers are needed on our streets more than ever before.

“It’s wrong to have up to 93 per cent of the officers sitting about a court doing nothing when they could be out on the street answering calls and dealing with the public.”

The statistics come days after reports showed significant increases in violent offences, sex offences and robberies amid claims more officers are needed to fight crime.

The court survey found officers spend up to five hours a shift waiting to give evidence, only to be told they are not needed. Reasons include the accused pleading guilty, prosecution witnesses not turning up or defence lawyers asking for trials to be postponed.

Kennedy added: “We know there are hundreds of officers at Glasgow Sheriff Court every day waiting to give evidence. However, most of them never do.

"There are instances where officers sit all day in court and never do any policing. It can be very demoralising for them.”

The SPF have called for the Crown Office to call officers to court only after 1pm. Kennedy added: “By then, the court would know if they’re still required to give evidence."

www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/cop-court-scandal-9-10-20325255 ... See MoreSee Less

www.dailyrecord.co.uk

A probe found 93 per cent of officers are often kept hanging about court for hours only to be told they are not needed.

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6 months ago

Thousands of police officers who have died while on duty have been honoured at the 15th annual National Police Memorial Day.

Members of the police family gathered at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow on Sunday 29 September to honour the more than 4,000 officers who have lost their lives on duty. The names of those officers who have died in the past year were read out.

HRH The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of National Police Memorial Day, was among those attending the service, led by Canon David Wilbraham. He was joined by Home Secretary Priti Patel; Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, more than 40 Chief Constables and 1,500 police officers and family members.

In the commemorative brochure, HRH The Prince of Wales said: “Policing in the United Kingdom has enormous pressures to contend with, no more so than on the front line. As society changes, so must the way in which we support and protect our communities. Your job is one of the toughest there is, and all too often your efforts go unrecognised.

“I am proud to be with you today, and I particularly want you to know how very much I appreciate all that you do, and the sacrifices you make. You and your families have a very special place in the heart of this Nation.”

During the service, candles were lit for officers in each of the four nations. Representing Scotland was Margaret Sinclair and her daughter Patricia, for PC Leslie Sinclair, who died in 1972 following a road traffic collision.

Representing England was Rumbie Mabuto and her children Kenny and Sophia, for DC Joe Mabuto, who died after suffering a heart attack on duty. Representing Wales was William Parker, son of PC Andy Parker, who was killed in a motorbike crash when travelling home after a night shift.

And representing Northern Ireland was Margo Hetherington, daughter of Reserve Constable Jacob Rankin, who was fatally shot in 1978 whilst on duty by terrorists.

Andrea MacDonald, Chair of the Scottish Police Federation, read the names of officers who have lost their lives during the past year: PC Joseph Robert Cooke and Sgt Colin Michael Fox, both of the Met; PC Daniel Clayton-Drabble, PC Kevin Flint and PC Andrew Harper, all of Thames Valley Police; and PC Roy Buggins, of Police Scotland. The service also paid tribute to US Special Agent Nole Remagen, who died while on duty in Scotland.

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded. ... See MoreSee Less

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6 months ago

The 15th National Police Memorial Day Service took place in Glasgow today.

The names of UK colleagues who have lost their lives on duty in the past year - including PC Roy Buggins - were read out by our Chair Andrea MacDonald.

#NPMD19 #LestWeForget

In the commemorative brochure, Prince Charles - who was in attendance - said: “Policing in the United Kingdom has enormous pressures to contend with, no more so than on the front line.

“As society changes, so must the way in which we support and protect our communities. Your job is one of the toughest there is, and all too often your efforts go unrecognized.

“I am proud to be with you today, and I particularly want you to know how very much I appreciate all that you do, and the sacrifices you make. You and your families have a very special place in the heart of this Nation.”

Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Iain Livingstone QPM said: “I am honoured, as Chief Constable of the host force, to once again be involved in the National Police Memorial. It is a poignant and important occasion for us all.

“Police officers perform a difficult and sometimes dangerous job. We do so without fear or favour, with courage, integrity and humanity.

“Policing is a job like no other, it is a vocation. It’s not what we do, it’s who we are.

“These occasions allow us to come together to remember and honour those who are not here, but through our memories remain with us.” ... See MoreSee Less

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6 months ago

Fallen #police officers and their families honoured at National Police Memorial Day in Scotland today.

#lestweforget ... See MoreSee Less

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