Stephen Kerr MSP has raised concerns about the most recent crime data released by police Scotland, and has questioned if SNP cuts have made the police unable to do their jobs properly.
The data shows a drop in recorded instances of drug possession and drug supply; possession down from 30,000 in previous years to less than 25,000 this year, and supply from 5,000 in previous years to just over 4,000 this year. Both are at a 10-year low according to Police Scotland figures.
However, the horrific stats on drugs deaths do not correlate with these figures, with deaths having more than doubled since 2012 to 1,330 in 2021.
Additionally, on a more anecdotal basis, there have been far more complaints about the use of marijuana from Stephen’s constituents, with the smell in particular being reported very often.
Stephen Kerr MSP said:
While the headline figure of a drop in recorded crime may suit the SNP, the experience of the people of Scotland will be drastically different from the smug press releases sent out by SNP head office.
The official stats show reported crimes involving drugs are down, but drugs deaths are at a shocking high. I’ve also heard from more people (and experienced myself) noting the smell of marijuana becoming endemic on streets across Scotland.
What people will take from this is that because of continued SNP real terms cuts to Police Scotland, which have seen the force shrink to just over 16,000 officers, crime is just not being recorded. How many people now don’t bother calling the police because they know how stretched they are?
Our police need to be properly supported- and that means a proper plan from the SNP Government.
Datafile referenced (relevant graph below): https://www.gov.scot/publications/recorded-crime-scotland-2021-2022/pag…
