Police Scotland is being threatened with potential legal action from its own officers over the force’s operational plans surrounding US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit, which begins on Friday.
The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) – which represents rank-and-file officers – is accusing Police Scotland of allegedly breaching a workforce agreement in regards to the highly anticipated visit.
The SPF said is has workforce agreements in place to protect officers and provide minimum standards of health and safety at work.
However, the organisation said it has “seen these agreements breached in the days leading to the arrival of POTUS”, and subsequently “seeking legal advice regarding potential legal action against the service”.
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David Kennedy, general secretary of the SPF, told Sky News: “Because of what we’ve termed breaches in our workforce agreement, we may be looking at taking legal action against the service.
“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.
“We are now in discussions with Police Scotland, and it is hoped that it will be resolved.”
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Mr Trump’s visit to Scotland will take place between 25 and 29 July.
He is expected to visit both of his golf courses – Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire and Trump International Scotland in Aberdeenshire.
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During his stay, the president will meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney for informal talks.
A source previously told Sky News that up to 5,000 officers could be required to police the visit, with officers being asked to work 12-hour shifts.
Police Scotland said the “significant police operation” will require local, national and specialist resources from across the UK.
Mr Kennedy added: “We know at this moment in time we do not have enough police officers in Scotland and any events like this just put all hands to the pump. And that’s not the way to police.”
The president’s private visit to Scotland will come ahead of his state visit to the UK in September.
Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.
