Rank-and-file officers across the country would also be against “cosmetic” restructuring, citing the public’s desire for local accountability.

But Tayside’s Chief Constable John Vine said in an interview he believed policing could be delivered as effectively with four forces as with the current eight.

“Donald Dewar ordered an inquiry that looked at the issue of mergers or rationalizations in 1998 and reported in 2000, and it recommended we maintain the status quo,” said Mr Vine.

“I don’t think the time was right then, but I do think now is the time to revisit that question.

“If that happens, I anticipate there would be a reduction in the number of forces in Scotland, either to a four-force model, or simply one national force.

“My own opinion is that a four-force model would be most effective.”

The former head of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland) said it was vital to maintain a “local footprint.”

“Similarly, some forces are now conducting independent inquiries into matters in neighbouring forces and that would be difficult with only one police force,” continued Mr Vine.

“I think it would best be done after the election. We could sit down with the Executive and a map of Scotland and come to some agreement, a consensus about what the best police boundaries are.”

It is less than three months since Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson told MSPs there were no plans to change the shape of policing in Scotland.

There has been speculation restructuring is inevitable in the long run as the Executive faces a funding squeeze from Westminster.

An Executive spokesperson said today, “Our position remains that ministers have no current plans to restructure Scottish police forces.”

The Scottish Police Federation has cautioned against “expensive and cosmetic tinkering,” and argued demand is for effective local policing.

The Home Office last year announced proposals to cut the number of police forces in England and Wales from 43 to as few as 12. Some police authorities have refused to co-operate.

Mr Vine acknowledged a review in Scotland would have to be carried out with caution.

He added, “Police boundaries are rarely based on what will be operationally most effective. They are usually the result of political compromise. If the boundaries are redrawn, we would have to look at many issues, such as how local people will be represented on joint police boards.”