An independent watchdog has been urged to examine the impact of controversial reforms on the police force in the north-east.
The call on HM Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland Derek Penman was made by Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald who claims the region has been “hit hard” and staff morale was at a low ebb.
The politician said that officers and civilian workers were doing their best under very difficult circumstances but the force was facing significant recruitment and retention problems.
SNP Government ministers decided to merge Scotland’s eight forces into one nearly two years ago to save around £153million a year by reducing duplication of services.
They argued that the move would improve policing and ensure specialised services were made available across the country.
But Mr Macdonald said: “The north-east has been hit particularly hard by changes introduced by Police Scotland.
“Plans to close police station counters, the service centre at Bucksburn in Aberdeen and the control room at Queen Street and proposals to merge the two north-east divisions have all damaged the morale of officers and staff.
“The cumulative impact of these changes is not only damaging morale but is also eroding local accountability.
“HM Inspectorate of Constabulary Scotland should look into this issue and establish how policing in the north-east is being affected by these constant cuts.”
A spokeswoman for HMICS said it recently sought the views of over 100 stakeholders on issues that could be considered for inclusion in the 2015-16 inspection programme.
“We will review the responses, including this one from Mr Macdonald, when compiling our inspection programme,” she added.
“However, as part of its rolling programme of inspection of local policing HMICS has just undertaken a comprehensive inspection of Aberdeen City division.
“A number of issues raised by Mr Macdonald are covered in the inspection report which will be published in May.”
Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Thomson, who is responsible for local policing in the north, said the force would continue to consult on the proposal to restructure the current Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire and Moray divisions.
“Our main motivation is the delivery of better targeted local policing, improved access to local policing and sustainably improving the quality of our service,” he added.