By David Kennedy
Scottish Police Federation general secretary
As we reflect on the past 12 months, it is impossible to ignore the extraordinary pressures that continue to weigh heavily on policing in Scotland.
This past year has laid bare a series of systemic challenges that not only hinder the ability of Police Scotland to serve our communities effectively, but also threaten the wellbeing of the men and women who wear the uniform.
One of the most contentious issues has been the ongoing pay dispute.
Officers feel undervalued and unheard, and for good reason.
Despite months of negotiations, we now look to arbitration to resolve the pay issue that has seen our officers struggling to make ends meet amid rising costs of living.
The recent ‘withdrawal of goodwill’ protest, which began in November, highlights the frustration and anger among rank-and-file officers.
This situation is unsustainable.
How can you ask police officers to serve with the dedication and professionalism required while failing to offer them fair compensation for their work?
The strain on resources has only exacerbated these frustrations.
Officer numbers have continued to decline, reaching their lowest levels since 2008.
This is not just a number; it represents fewer officers available to respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, and engage with our communities.
Frontline officers are stretched to their limits, working longer hours under increasingly challenging conditions.
A significant concern this past year has been the glaring lack of body-worn cameras for officers.
Despite repeated promises, progress on this critical tool has stalled yet again.
Body-worn cameras are not just about accountability; they are about safety.
These devices protect both officers and the public by providing an indisputable record of events, reducing false allegations, and de-escalating volatile situations.
Yet here we are in 2025, still without this basic piece of equipment. It is unacceptable.
“Frontline officers are stretched to their limits, working longer hours under increasingly challenging conditions”
Meanwhile, the financial strain on policing has been magnified by the growing cost of public inquiries.
While we recognise the importance of transparency and accountability, the millions spent on inquiries must be balanced with the urgent need for operational funding.
It is officers on the ground who are paying the price for these decisions, as budgets for training, equipment, and staffing continue to be squeezed.
And then there is mental health – a crisis that remains grossly under-addressed.
Officers are routinely exposed to traumatic incidents, yet the support infrastructure to help them cope remains inadequate.
Record numbers of officers have taken time off due to stress, anxiety, and PTSD.
This is a stark warning sign.
It is not enough to acknowledge the problem; we need real, tangible investment in mental health services for our officers.
Peer support programs, access to counselling, and proactive measures must become priorities, not afterthoughts.
The reality is that policing in Scotland is at a breaking point.
Our officers are dedicated professionals who want to do their jobs and serve their communities, but they cannot do so without the tools, resources, and support they need.
If action is not taken to address these issues, the consequences will be felt not just by the police service but by every community in Scotland.
It is time for those in power to step up and make policing the priority it needs to be.