Police ‘overtime ban’ resulting in abandoned cases, claims whistle-blower

The officer chose to remain anonymous as he risks “career suicide” by highlighting his concerns.

In an email, he writes: “Officers… are on an overtime ban.

“Whistle-blowing on anything like this is career suicide… so I’d rather my identity not be published.

“We are being told not to be proactive and investigate drug dealers because (they) could cause overtime, but rather just do the work we are given.”

Scottish Police Federation (SPF) general secretary, Calum Steele, said this was “the tip of a very large iceberg”.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “There is no overtime ban in operation. Officers across Scotland continue to focus on meeting local priorities, including tackling drug dealers in communities, drug supply at local, national and international level and reducing the harm caused by drug abuse.”

A Scottish government spokeswoman said: “We will do everything to tackle the scourge of illegal drugs, by applying the full force of the law to hitting dealers who peddle misery that blights the lives of so many, while supporting those living with an addiction.

“We are committed to protecting the police revenue budget in real terms for the entirety of this parliament, delivering an additional £100m of investment over the next five years, in addition to £55m of reform funding in 2016-17.

“Clearly, it is for SPA and Police Scotland to determine the best possible use of the budget according to national and local priorities.”