Commenting on the latest Police strength statistics Labour's Shadow Justice Secretary Richard Baker said:
"Any welcome for the increase in new officers has to be tempered against the 800 police personnel that have been lost from the service since the SNP came to power. There is little point training new officers if they spend their time filling out forms rather than protecting communities.
"Also, looking at the current figures, there are still severe doubts that the full 1000 officers will be trained and in post at the next election. We will continue to press the SNP to deliver their promise.
"It should also be pointed out that there are doubts over the training facilities at the Scottish Police College with recruits doubling up and courses being stretched.
"Also, with community safety budgets flat-lining, the future of the Community Wardens scheme is coming under financial pressure.
"It's not enough to just recruit new officers. They need the support of intelligence, forensic staff and other civilian staff to allow them to do their jobs as effectively as possible."
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