Pubdate: Sat, 13 Jan 2001 Source: BBC News (UK Web) Copyright: 2001 BBC Feedback: http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking_point/ Website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/ Forum: http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking_point/forum/ NEW SCOTTISH POLICE FORCE MOOTED New Squad Could Take Over Major Criminal Inquiries A new Scottish police force to tackle organised crime could be set up within two years pending Executive approval, it has been reported. A new ninth police force would be independent of Scotland's eight other police forces and would answer directly to Justice Minister Jim Wallace. The Sunday Mail newspaper reported that planning was at an advanced stage for the new force, which would target major figures in the drugs trade and criminal underworld. Jim Wallace announced in November that as an outcome of the review of the whole structure of the police force, we would be looking closely at what common police services might be better delivered and what functions might come under the common services heading. Scottish Executive spokesman However, a spokesman for the Scottish Executive said consultation was still at an early stage, adding that a new body may or may not be set up. He said: "Jim Wallace announced in November that as an outcome of the review of the whole structure of the police force, we would be looking closely at what common police services might be better delivered and what functions might come under the common services heading. "This will be taken forward this year by a common services board in consultation with all interested bodies," he said. Major Criminal Inquiries The Sunday Mail said the new force could take over major criminal inquiries from local police forces and offer assistance to them. It also reported that the force would take control of the Scottish Police Training College and helicopter surveillance teams. Recruitment and training of police officers and the running of all police laboratories and forensic departments would also be undertaken by the new force, it said. The Executive spokesman said all these areas would count as common services but declined to say whether or not they might be brought under the control of a single body. According to the report, the force would bring together the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency (SDEA), the Scottish Crime Squad and the Scottish Criminal Records Office. Justice Minister Jim Wallace already looking at 'common police services' And it said SDEA director Jim Orr was one of the favourites to get the post of chief constable. About 300 officers and civilian support staff would transfer from existing forces to create the new body and new officers would be recruited to replace them, it reported. Fred McManus, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, said his members welcomed the proposals but wanted more details. He said: "We have been told that there will be a consultation document to give everyone a chance to give their views. "We are in favour of any idea which improves the quality of service the police delivers to the public." - --- MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe