Police union boss calls Constance's claims of record investment just 'smoke and mirrors'

A POLICE union boss has slammed Scottish Government claims of record financial investment in the force as “smoke and mirrors.”

- BY JENNIFER HYLAND

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the SNP is investing a record £1.64billion in policing in 2025-26, a rise of almost £90million of additional funding from the 2024-25 budget.

Constance was responding to Labour MSP Monica Lennon after she raised concerns of the Scottish Police Federation chair David Kennedy who had said lack of investment has seen parts of the country become “policing deserts.”

She also said the government's investment in policing has enabled Police Scotland to undertake the highest level of recruitment since its inception, with around 1200 new officers joining since the start of 2024.