Rank and file police fears for Trump visit

Federation considers legal action against force

- By Richard Elias

POLICE SCOTLAND is facing a potential legal challenge from its rank-and-file officers ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit which begins this week.

The issue has arisen over concerns regarding working hours and staffing numbers during the five-day private trip.

Yesterday, following a meeting to discuss operational planning for the high-profile event, the Scottish Police Federation, which represents 98% of the country’s officers, announced that it was seeking legal advice.

The organisation believes the operation breaches legally-binding workplace arrangements and will put officers under a significant negative impact

It comes as the single force has submitted a request to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for extra manpower.

President Trump is expected to visit both of his golf courses — as well as opening a new one — when he jets into Scotland on Friday.

Around 5,000 officers are to be deployed at Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire and Menie in Aberdeenshire, many working 12-hour shifts.

But the Scottish Police Federation expressed its fears over the extra pressure that the event will have on its members.

General Secretary David Kennedy told STV News: “This is a big event for Police Scotland but we have major concerns. We do not have enough police officers in Scotland.

“Anyone that says we do, I don’t know where they get those figures from.”