The transfer of police calls from Inverness to Dundee is causing serious concern among Highland councillors.
Fort William and Ardnamurchan representative, Andrew Baxter, chairman of the Lochaber Committee, has questioned the controversial proposals to close the Inverness control room.
He said: “We were promised a unit in Inverness to serve the whole of Scotland with an increase in jobs.”
A representative from Police Scotland – who made a presentation to members at a meeting in Fort William about the transfer – said there would be a “safe, secure delivery” of services in the transition period and argued that a sufficient number of call handlers have been trained.
But the police spokesman confirmed that all calls from the north would come to Dundee and that both 999 and 101 calls would be handled more quickly.
He said: “There has been a significant increase in the number of call handlers as well as significant training in local knowledge.
“Staff have to attend a two-day training course as well as workshops and briefings.
“There is a big commitment to local knowledge and place names which are known as something different in local areas are being incorporated into the system. We are also working closely with members of mountain rescue teams to gain knowledge from them.”
However, these words failed to satisfy Mr Baxter or quell his reservations.
He responded: “I am dismayed that these proposals were presented as if it was a fait accompli.
“We were promised a unit in Inverness to serve the whole of Scotland with an increase in jobs. This sudden change in position has been taken without proper consultation and public engagement.
“The Scottish Police Authority, SPA, has not yet had a chance to consider an alternative proposal to have two National Database Enquiry Units, nor to view the business case and scrutinise the options and the rationale.
“It is imperative that proper scrutiny is applied and decisions are made in the best interests of the people of the Highlands.”
Mr Baxter is among those who believe Police Scotland has taken too many steps to centralise its operations.
He added: “We note the assurances given by Police Scotland regarding the control room in Dundee, however the council remains opposed to the closure of the Inverness control room and the centralisation of resources outwith the Highlands.
“Loss of geographical knowledge remains a key risk.”
