Calls to halt closure of Highland police control centre
Highland councillor and prospective Scottish Parliament candidate Carolyn Caddick is calling on the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to halt the closure of Highland Police Control Centre.
The Inverness-based emergency control room is due to close this December.
Following the tragic events around the M9 crash, and the failure of police to respond, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) has launched a review into the impact of the control room restructuring.
Councillor Caddick said: "People from the Highlands have been raising their concerns over the impact of control room closures for months.
"Our local control room staff are experts in directing the services to remote locations often with Gaelic or local names which do not appear on maps.
"There is no doubt that the SNP’s one-size-fits-all approach, dragging all decision making to the central belt, will have a damaging impact on our Highlands services and jobs.
"Since the control room closures began we have seen increasing reports of high workload pressures and stress in control room workers.
"Shortages of police support staff have forced police officers to backfill and cover call centre shifts and people have faced extended waits to have their calls answered.
"It is essential that the inspectorate takes a proper look at the implications of the restructuring and what it means for our communities and local staff.
"I would encourage everyone to complete the online consultation on HMICS’ website."
