| Figures obtained by the Evening Telegraph also show the force spent more than ten times that which Tayside Fire and Rescue laid out on presents to other agencies and individuals in the past two years.
Police spending on gifts was criticised during the G8 summit in July when it was revealed Chief Constable John Vine had bought 100 commemorative quaichs to present to officers who helped with preparations for the three-day international summit at Gleneagles.
At the time a police spokesperson said it was “common practice” for such mementoes to be given to officers from outside forces for their help in specialist areas of policing and that the costs were relatively low.
However, Tayside Police have presented over 500 gifts in the past two years — compared to just 15 handed out by the areas’ other major emergency service Tayside Fire and Rescue.
The trinkets have cost the force more than £4000, far outweighing the £343 spent by the fire service.
The amount spent on gifts has increased by 119% compared to the previous two years —around £2204 — which the police have attributed to extra costs incurred during the G8.
The single most expensive item gifted by Tayside Police in the past two years was a chrome pen, costing £21.49, marking the 30th anniversary of the force.
This was narrowly bested by Tayside Fire and Rescue who purchased a badge and glasses at a cost of £25.04
The fire service was keen to point out that the bulk of their expenditure (£253) was accounted for following the closure of the volunteer fire station at Cortachy in April of 2005.
They have also presented a number of long service good conduct medals. However, they stressed these were distributed by the Royal Mint and are not paid for by the fire service.
A spokesman for Tayside Police defended the purchase of gifts.
‘‘In common with many public and private organizations we do on occasion present gifts to people who either visit us from other parts of the UK and overseas, or who give assistance to Tayside Police — including members of the public.
‘‘The amount spent on such gifts over the last two years equates to less than £8 per gift.”
He continued, “Tayside Police was the lead force for the recent G8 World Leaders Summit.
“Many senior officers and staff from other forces and agencies gave substantial assistance in preparing for this event.
“They provided their considerable expertise free of charge and received a small memento by way of thanks.” |
