Response to SPA review of armed officers

The Highland Council welcomes the announcement today by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) that they will independently assess the current practices for the issue and carriage of firearms by armed response vehicle (ARV) crews under the standing authority.  

Councillor Drew Millar, Chair, Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee, said: “I have today received a letter from SPA Chair Vic Emery which gives a commitment to independently review the current practice for the routine issue and carrying of firearms by officers.  This will include consideration of how armed response officers, operating under the standing authority, are deployed on regular patrols and tasks.  It will importantly also include the extent to which wider community impact has been incorporated into Police Scotland’s decision-making process.  

“I welcome this commitment and am pleased that the SPA has listened to the concerns which have been raised in relation to the current Police Scotland policy.  I look forward to the opportunity for Members of The Highland Council to meet with the SPA and contribute to the review.”  

ENDS