‘Not Enough Officers’: Mounting Workloads Drive Up Police Overtime Costs
Scotland’s overstretched police force is racking up an eye-watering £85,000 a day in overtime payments, according to newly published figures that lay bare the growing strain on frontline services.
The data, revealed by 1919 Magazine, shows Police Scotland spent £28.15 million on officer overtime in 2024/25, with an additional £3.4 million allocated for other staff—a 10% increase on the previous year.
While the total is lower than the exceptional spending levels of 2022/23—when policing surged following the death of Queen Elizabeth II—the trend still paints a picture of a service under intense pressure, grappling with rising public safety demands and not enough personnel to meet them.
Events, Shortages, and Extraordinary Demand
The steep bill comes against the backdrop of shrinking police numbers and a packed public events calendar that has stretched the force to its limits.
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Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland in July required a significant security presence, with rolling road closures and increased patrols.
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Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium hosted a massive “Oasis” reunion show that sold out within hours, requiring large-scale policing operations.
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Ongoing summer festivals, storm-related emergencies like Storm Floris, and routine criminal investigations are also contributing to the pressure cooker atmosphere inside Scotland’s only national police force.
‘Unsustainable’ Workload for Frontline Officers
David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, sounded the alarm about officer wellbeing.
“As demand on policing continues to increase—whether through major events, public safety operations, or everyday calls for service—there simply are not enough officers to meet the workload within normal working hours,” Kennedy said.
He warned the trend was becoming unsustainable, with overtime now a structural necessity rather than a temporary fix.
Year-on-Year Comparison
| Year | Officer Overtime Spend | Staff Overtime Spend | Total Overtime Cost | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | £30.5 million | £4.1 million | £34.6 million | Queen’s death, royal ceremonies |
| 2023/24 | £25.6 million | £3.2 million | £28.8 million | Cost-cutting measures post-COVID |
| 2024/25 | £28.15 million | £3.4 million | £31.55 million | Trump visit, Oasis gig, storm response |
The rise this year—particularly among officer overtime—reflects a growing dependence on extended shifts to maintain service levels amid recruitment slowdowns and budgetary pressure.
Budget Constraints Collide with Public Safety
Despite political pledges to protect policing budgets, senior officers say they are being asked to do more with less. Civil contingency demands, climate-related emergencies like flooding and storms, and rising calls around domestic violence and mental health incidents are overwhelming already lean rosters.
Meanwhile, retirements and recruitment delays have reduced the number of available officers on shift. Police Scotland’s staffing numbers have fallen to their lowest level since its formation in 2013, with unions warning the downward trend shows no sign of stopping.
What’s Next?
The Scottish Government has faced mounting calls to either bolster core police funding or overhaul overtime structures. But ministers argue broader public sector constraints and post-pandemic fiscal tightening leave little room for manoeuvre.
A comprehensive review of police resourcing is now expected later this year, with the Police Authority and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary set to examine workforce gaps, mental health support, and future-proofing for major event security planning.
