There are now 17,242 police men and women, a decrease on previous quarters, and the fewest since 2010.
Following the release of the official statistics, the Scottish Police Federation said the single force was at “breaking point” as a result of the drop in workers, with officers under “intolerable pressure”.
Now the Scottish Conservatives have demanded the SNP explains the drop, and makes sure people are reassured that there are enough employees to keep the public safe.
Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Douglas Ross said:
“It’s right that Police Scotland should have the flexibility to deploy officers and staff to adapt to the policing priorities of our local communities.
“But the SNP’s smoke and mirrors policy on police numbers isn’t going to cut it.
“Police Scotland needs a balanced workforce, but all these figures show is a downwards trend – and it has made no secret of the fact it is facing significant budgetary pressures.
“We need to establish whether this drop in numbers is down to shifting priorities for the police, or a wholesale downscaling of resources.
“In light of recent developments, perhaps the Scottish Government should consider a better way to reassure the public that the single force is sufficiently staffed.”