Frontline police officers are unable to perform their duties because of dilapidated stations and repeatedly cancelled rest days, a watchdog has found.

Many frontline police officers say current staffing levels in their areas are making them feel vulnerable and - at times - unsafe.

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) reviewed Police Scotland's wellbeing provision and found staffing levels were a prominent concern for officers.

A scarcity of resources and stations in poor condition were also issues of concern to staff and officers.

Chief Inspector of Constabulary Craig Naylor said none of those causes of stress was recognised in the force's work on wellbeing.

Mr Naylor said: "It tended to be those offices and stations where frontline officers and staff work, that inspectors have noted the worst conditions."

He contrasted the recently remodelled modern building which houses Police Scotland's HR and wellbeing team - complete with taps dispensing sparkling water - with the room set aside for officer wellbeing at Rothesay Police station on Bute, where wallpaper was peeling off the walls because of water coming through the roof.

The report has been welcomed by the Scottish Police Federation, which represents officers up to the rank of chief inspector.

Its chairman David Threadgold said not a word of it came as a surprise.

"We are over-worked, under-resourced, we have lost over 1,000 officers in the last year," he said.

Police Scotland said Chief Constable Jo Farrell had prioritised the health and wellbeing of officers and staff.

It said a £17million investment was funding a new 24/7 employee assistance programme, direct access to occupational health services and a greater focus on mental health.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the Scottish government has invested £1.55billion in policing this financial year, with a 12.5% increase in capital funding.


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