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Armed police to be debated by council leaders Council leaders oppose armed police on routine patrols
(about 17 hours later)
Council leaders are set to debate concerns about the presence of armed police officers on Scotland's streets. Council leaders have opposed the policy of allowing police officers to carry guns while on routine patrol.
A report for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) refers to a lack of consultation and the effect on the public's perception of the force. Some officers were given a standing authority to carry guns following the creation of a single Scottish force.
Councillors in some areas have complained about the decision to allow the routine deployment of armed police. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) agreed to the principle that officers should not carry firearms on regular duties.
Police Scotland says their deployment offers better protection to the public. A report criticised a lack of consultation and the effect on the public's perception of the force.
'Public concern' Strathclyde Police, Tayside Police and Northern Constabulary allowed specialist officers to carry guns on routine patrol before the creation of the new single force.
The approach was adopted across the country following its launch in April last year. The approach was adopted across the country in April last year.
Some councils are worried the move will lead to an armed police force by the back door, BBC Scotland's local government correspondent Jamie McIvor said. Earlier this year by independent MSP and former Northern Constabulary officer John Finnie raised concerns about the rollout of the policy.
The Scottish Police Authority and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland are currently scrutinising the policy. Visible handguns
Cosla, the umbrella group for Scottish councils, has been asked for its views as part of an internal review by Police Scotland.
A discussion paper to be presented to the group's members, seen by the BBC, said armed officers had "recently become a matter of public concern".
A proposed Cosla position, to be put before members, suggests arming officers "may contribute to a perception of a heavy-handed approach to policing, when seen alongside, for example, the apparent increased use of stop and search tactics".
Concerns have also been raised about councillors' ability to hold the police to account since the creation of a national force last year.
Low crime
The report also suggests inviting Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Stephen House to a meeting with council leaders.
It adds: "Failing to respond to local elected representatives' concerns threatens the notion of 'policing by consent' - the valued principle whereby the public consent to police officers exercising their powers on the condition that the police must be able to explain and be accountable for their actions."
It follows concerns raised earlier this year by independent MSP and former Northern Constabulary officer John Finnie.
Highland councillors have also questioned the deployment of officers visibly carrying handguns in routine incidents in a region with low levels of violent crime.Highland councillors have also questioned the deployment of officers visibly carrying handguns in routine incidents in a region with low levels of violent crime.
Strathclyde Police, Tayside Police and Northern Constabulary allowed specialist officers to carry guns routinely before the creation of the new single force. The Cosla report, backed unanimously by council leaders meeting in Edinburgh, invited them to agree "to the principle that police officers should not carry firearms on regular duties".
It also asked leaders to agree to write to Police Scotland to seek clarification and respond to three separate reviews of the policy being carried out by Police Scotland, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.
The report accepts that the deployment of armed officers is an operational matter decided by the chief constable.
But it notes that there is "no clear recourse for local government, or indeed Scottish government, to hold the chief constable to account" if there is dissatisfaction.
It also suggests inviting Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Stephen House to a meeting with council leaders.
Police Scotland has said that it has 275 firearms officers - 1.6% of the force's personnel - and they are deployed on a shift pattern basis.Police Scotland has said that it has 275 firearms officers - 1.6% of the force's personnel - and they are deployed on a shift pattern basis.
For every 1,000 officers there will be 10 officers armed and on shift.
These specialist officers carry a Taser stun gun and a holstered handgun.These specialist officers carry a Taser stun gun and a holstered handgun.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Decisions on the use of resources, including armed police officers, are clearly a matter for the Chief Constable of Police Scotland.
"However, it is important there is appropriate oversight to ensure transparency in decision making and to reassure the public and Parliament, which is why scrutiny of Police Scotland is in place through the statutory role of the SPA as well as the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner and HMICS.
"In addition, the Parliament's Justice Sub-Committee on Policing is able to scrutinise all aspects of policing in Scotland and is currently looking at the issue of armed policing in more detail."