Leader writes to HMICS to raise concerns

The Leader of The Highland Council has written to HMICS to express concerns regarding a potential change to the creation of a single National Database Enquiry Unit (NDEU) for the whole of Scotland, based in Inverness.

 Leader of the Council, Margaret Davidson said:

 “I have written to the Mr Penman HMICS to express my concerns regarding the proposed changes to the Inverness Police Control Room.

 “We were told in 2014 that the National Database Enquiry Unit (NDEU) would be based in Inverness and this was to be a single unit for the whole of Scotland, with increased staffing levels.

“We are particularly disconcerted as recently there have been references to options for a model which appears a significant departure from the original proposal and, if true, would inevitably impact upon the staff employed locally within Inverness.  There has been absolutely no engagement with us on any change to the original commitment to date by Police Scotland. 

Cllr Davidson went on to say: “Despite a level of reassurance provided by ACC Hawkins during discussion at the SPA Board meeting of the 7 June, this was not followed up by any clarification that a NDEU would be solely based in Inverness. I will be seeking cast-iron assurances this week regarding Police Scotland’s commitment to the creation of a National Database Enquiry Unit in Inverness.”

Cllr Davidson will be meeting with ACC Hawkins and ACC Cowie on Friday 23 June to discuss the matter.