Inverness will soon have no police houses with just one remaining in the city – and even that is earmarked to be sold.
Homes for police officers were once a common sight in the city and the region.
But the police federation say that, without police houses spread among communities, there could be a real disconnect with locals.
There are also fears it could affect recruiting and stop police officers moving to more rural areas.
Where is the last police house in Inverness?
Even as recently as 2007, there were 13 police houses in the city.
But this year there is just one Police Scotland-owned property left in the Highland capital.
The solitary remaining house is in Cradlehall. But even that has been approved for disposal.
The force says this is because there are enough private homes to rent or buy in the city.
Across Highland and Islands Division, which includes the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland, there were 124 police houses in 2007.
Some were attached to police stations which have since closed, so there was no requirement for the house.
There are now just 63 residential properties across the region, a mix of Police Scotland-owned and leased houses.
Of these, 22 are connected to, or in the grounds of, police stations.
Why is having fewer police houses a bad thing?
The Scottish Police Federation is worried about the lack of police houses.
General secretary David Kennedy says: “The reduction in police housing in the Highlands and Islands, particularly in Inverness area, raises valid concerns about the future of policing in these communities.”
He says fewer houses could lead to a “disconnect” between officers and the communities they serve, especially in more remote areas.
Mr Kennedy says community officers have traditionally built deep relationships with the communities in which they live.
“The presence of officers residing locally fosters trust and enhances their ability to respond quickly and effectively to local issues.
“The historical reduction from providing dedicated housing, removal of rent and housing allowances, and now the charge to officers, even if believed to be justified, will inadvertently weaken this relationship.
“Recruitment and retention in rural areas like Inverness and its surrounding area and the broader Highlands and Islands is exceedingly difficult.”
Officers ‘may be less willing to relocate’
Mr Kennedy says there is also a concern that police officers may be less willing to relocate without the assurance of affordable, appropriate housing, especially in high-demand rental markets.
“This could lead to a shortage of officers willing to take up posts in these areas.
“The long-term impacts on the fabric of community policing cannot be overlooked.”
More police houses in rural areas
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers working in remote and rural locations play an integral part in community life.
“It is vital we support them to remain or relocate to these areas.”
Recent investment includes four new houses bought in Orkney to replace older properties.
Existing properties have also been upgraded in Strontian, Gairloch and Shetland.
The spokesperson added: “Being a rural police officer is a challenging job, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
“Having residential accommodation in some areas helps with the recruitment and retention of officers and ensures we can provide a policing service to those communities.”
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