Police union threatens legal action over Trump visit

Telegraph

3 days ago

The chief constable of Police Scotland has been threatened with legal action ahead of a visit by Donald Trump.
The Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents more than 16,000 officers, alleged on Monday that workforce agreements to protect the rank and file from working 12-hour shifts had been breached.
It said its lawyers had been instructed to examine potential legal action against Police Scotland after some officers were allegedly told they were expected to work 12-hour shifts for up to 10 consecutive days ahead of Mr Trump's visit on Friday.
The federation said it had workforce agreements in place to protect officers and provide minimum standards of health and safety at work.
It follows warnings by David Threadgold, the SPF chairman, that all officers in Scotland could be affected by the presidential visit, with some expected to work 12-hour shifts, posing a 'challenge' for how they eat, sleep and rest.
On Monday, David Kennedy, general secretary of the federation, revealed that two police officers from the north-east who were due to marry this weekend had been told they would have to work.
The couple, who have been planning their wedding for a year, have lodged an official request for 'excusal' from duty.
Mr Kennedy said he expected the request to be granted but pointed out that police colleagues due to attend as wedding guests would unlikely be able to do so.
'We currently have workforce agreements in place to protect police officers and provide minimum standards of health and safety at work,' Mr Kennedy said.
'Sadly, we have seen these agreements breached in the days leading to the arrival of Potus and as such we are seeking legal advice regarding potential legal action against the service.'
Mr Trump is expected to touch down at Prestwick airport on Friday and visit both of his golf courses in Scotland, Turnberry in Ayrshire and Menie in Aberdeenshire, between July 25 and July 29.
The president will meet Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, in Aberdeen, while plans are being put in place for Mr Trump to meet John Swinney, the First Minister, according to the Scottish Government.
Strict airspace restrictions will also be in place over Mr Trump's inaugural Scottish golf resort as part of a vast security operation.
Police Scotland has asked for Northern Irish officers to assist and has submitted a mutual aid request to the Police Service of Northern Ireland for additional officers.
Police forces usually make requests ahead of large operations or when their resources are stretched.
Mr Kennedy added: 'So, there's two agreements running. We reached an agreement to cover it, and they then have reneged on that agreement and breached our current force agreement that covers everybody.
'The breach of the agreement won't stop the policing of the event, but what it's to do with is how officers are paid and how they're remunerated for any work that takes place during the president's arrival and time here.'
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond of Police Scotland said: 'We are working closely with the Scottish Police Federation to address any concerns they may have.'