Police Given New Disorder Powers
Scottish police forces are to be given more powers to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour. Ministers are to announce that officers will be able to issue on-the-spot fines for a number of crimes, including drunkenness and vandalism.
The move comes after Tayside Police piloted the use of fixed penalty notices for anti-social behaviour. An independent study has said the £40 fines were a success, and should be rolled out across Scotland.
Ministers have now decided that all Scottish police forces will have the new powers by the end of the year. They believe fixed penalty notices allow police to take swift and visible action against anti-social behaviour and free up police time to focus on more serious crimes.