The north-east is 10 police officers below target and has lost five staff in a year, a new report reveals.
The publication by the north-east division, due to be presented to councillors at Friday’s public protection committee, shows that the number of full time equivalent (FTE) officers stands at 1104.77 as of March- with its “authorised establishment” standing at 1,115.
Meanwhile the number of police staff has decreased from 123.72 FTE last March to 118.15 FTE this March.
The report adds: “The north-east has seen a fluctuation in authorised officer establishment over the year with a series of recruitments addressing previous short falls and the ongoing impact of those leaving the organisation through retirement.
“We remain in a positive position when compared to previous years and are at this reporting point, slightly below our authorised establishment.
“We currently have 109 Probationary Constables within Aberdeen City.
“The Police Scotland recruitment model is now operating quarterly recruitment processes and this continues to see officers committed to the north-east to support any reduction, with 13 Officers arriving in the north- east (8 within Aberdeen City) in June 2018 to address the above detailed shortfall.”
Liberal Democrat justice spokesman councillor Martin Greig said: “It is always worrying to see a drop in police officers and staff. It is good that we benefit from the energy and commitment of new probationers coming in.
“They contribute so much to the police service. However, at the same time everything possible has to be done to retain experienced, longer serving personnel.”