A north-east local authority will write to police chiefs to protest against plans to merge the force’s Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray divisions.
Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors united to vote through Councillor Gordon Graham’s motion at Aberdeen City Council’s urgent business committee meeting yesterday.
The letter from council chief executive Angela Scott will include an urgent request that the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) and the Chief Constable of Police Scotland Sir Stephen House visit Aberdeen to discuss the changes as soon as possible.
The SPA approved the amalgamation at a private board meeting on October 27, but the council insists “no engagement or consultation” took place beforehand.
Now Councillor Graham has said he still believes the plans can be halted and has called on police chiefs to urgently come for discussions.
He also raised concerns about the pooling of high-ranking officers across the three divisions.
He said: “They make out that this is cutting police bureaucracy but really it’s just leaving senior officers with a lot more work.
“The council has an excellent relationship with the police just now and that could all be lost.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland will be happy to respond to Aberdeen City Council about any additional concerns that may be raised as a result of police strengthening in the north-east, however partner consultation has occurred to date and will continue.”