SCOTLAND’S justice system, most visibly represented by our police force, plays an integral role in the way the country sees itself.
It isn’t an exaggeration to say that the integrity of our policing system is the single most important factor affecting what it is like to live in this country.
The people have to feel safe.
The people have to have confidence in its police force.
The people have to know that no matter what disaster might occur, who attacks, who would wish evil upon us, the rule of law will prevail.
Our police force, however, appears to be beleaguered.
It has been rocked by mishaps, mistakes and various crises at the highest level.
At the moment, it has a chief constable but not one who is behind his desk. He is currently “on special leave” amid bullying accusations.
Meanwhile, another of the force’s most senior officers has been suspended as part of an internal probe into alleged criminal misconduct.
No matter how both inquiries end, the very fact the force seems continually beset by such controversies does nothing for the morale of the rank-and-file in the force or indeed the general public.
Without doubt, many ordinary folk will feel they were better served by their old local forces even with the huge costs they attracted.
Therefore, it is imperative that our Justice Secretary takes a far more conspicuous role in sorting out the woes that seem to follow Police Scotland.
Michael Matheson may well trumpet the fact crime is down.
But at the moment that appears to be the result of the sterling commitment of those officers on the ground.
Without strong leadership though how long can that last?
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