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Council press for armed police rethink

Armed officers have caused alarm in Inverness city centre
Armed officers have caused alarm in Inverness city centre

A row erupted last night between Highland Council and Chief Constable Sir Stephen House over the issue of armed police.

The head of Police Scotland was accused of being “out of order” after councillors were told he had made disparaging remarks about critics of the controversial policy.

Members at the full council meeting in Inverness voted overwhelmingly to demand a rethink of the practice amid fears it could lead to incidents escalating.

One councillor said armed officers had been sent to reports of a man threatening suicide, while others warned it risked changing the relationship between police and the north public.

Police chiefs refused to comment on the criticism of their leader, but insisted firearms officers had a vital role to play in preserving public safety.

The single force policy of arming officers on routine patrols has proved particularly contentious in the north, where critics say it goes against the ethos of the region.

Yesterday’s vote followed anger after council depute leader David Alston reported comments made at a Scottish Police Authority meeting earlier this week.

Mr Alston told colleagues he watched a webcast during which Sir Stephen said those raising gun concerns were “mischievous”, their worries were “disproportionate” and they were “working to different agendas”.

Outside the meeting, Mr Alston said: “For the chief constable, a servant of the public to make these comments is out of order.

“The vote in the chamber sends a clear message to Sir Stephen House that this is a matter of concern and he has a duty to take that seriously.”

Earlier he said armed patrols represented a “fundamental change in the nature of policing”.

Following a heated hour-long debate, cCouncillors voted 59 to nine, with one abstention, to urge Police Scotland to review the armed police policy.

Chief Superintendent Elaine Ferguson, divisional commander of specialist services, said: “We note the decision and comments made by members of Highland Council and look forward to a positive and constructive discussion with them next Tuesday.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and our small number of highly trained specialist firearms officers play an important role in this.”

A force spokesman said it would not be commenting on Mr Alston’s criticisms.

Sir Stephen has previously written to the local authority setting out the reasons for armed officers. But many councillors have raised concerns that their presence is disproportionate for the Highlands.

Councillor Kate Stephen, Culloden, told of armed officers being sent to an incident where a man was threatening suicide on Nairn beach. She said she felt the way it was dealt with was inappropriate

She said: “I want the police to mean rescue or reassurance and that has changed for me.”

Councillor Richard Laird, Inverness, said he was concerned at the prospect of armed officers being used to disperse crowds at nightclubs.

He added that he did not think armed police were right for Scotland, a view echoed by Councillor Bill Lobban.

Councillor Ken Gowans, Inverness South, said: “When you start having guns on hips, the relationship between the public and police changes.”

But Councillor Allan Duffy, Inverness West, backed the policy, insisting it was in place to protect officers and the public.

“I don’t want to see all police officers go around with weapons but to have an armed response team is the way forward,” he said.

He was backed by Councillor Donnie Kerr, Inverness Central.

Mr Kerr said: “Inverness has expanded in size and has its criminal problems. Years ago it was unusual to have incidents involving guns. We should not interfere in what is an operational decision.”

Mr Duffy’s amendment, proposing a vote of confidence in policy of arming police, was defeated.

Members will now have a private briefing with police next week as part of continuing efforts to allay fears.