I Had a Very Interesting Interview with the Chairman of the Scottish Police Federation

Simon McLean recounts his recent conversation with David Threadgold, Chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, expressing appreciation for his candour and transparency. McLean reflects on how significantly police operations have deteriorated compared to his own experience from two decades prior.

He describes a fundamental shift in policing philosophy. Where officers once focused on emergency response — what he terms "a fire service" — contemporary forces face mounting responsibilities extending far beyond traditional law enforcement. The modern service now absorbs duties related to health matters and social services, roles McLean argues should fall to other agencies.

McLean criticises political leadership for permitting this transformation. He contends that officers lack the resources to maintain community presence on streets, which he identifies as the most effective crime deterrent.

The piece concludes with frustration that symbolic measures — such as photographs of police in retail windows — cannot substitute for actual street-level engagement and the visible police presence that reassures communities and discourages criminal activity.