Police reform: Bill for single Scottish force published. Pic: © STV
Plans to create single police and fire services is being published.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill will meet local police officers and firefighters in Galashiels to mark the introduction of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill.
The legislation will establish the Police Service of Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
It was announced in September last year that the Scottish Government will go ahead with proposals to create a single police force following a consultation earlier in the year.
The Government said the move to a single force was the only way to maintain the number of police officers across Scotland.
Mr MacAskill told MSPs that single police and fire services will save £130m a year and £1.7bn over 15 years.
He promised there would be no political interference in operational matters, while pledging to increase local accountability.
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