Police control room closure plans discussed today PLANS to close a number of police control rooms across the country will be considered by Police Scotland's oversight body today. The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has to decide whether to give the proposals the green light and is meeting in Glasgow to discuss the issue. Police Scotland wants to close six control rooms - which handle emergencies and direct police responses - over the next two years, with the loss of up to 212 jobs. Proponents of the strategic proposal believe that moving to fewer, larger centres will boost the single force's capability to respond to day-to-day incidents and large-scale emergencies. However, critics have already told how they fear cost savings and a centralisation agenda are being put ahead of improving the service. The SPA will consider the force's proposals to "enhance" the service provided by its contact, command and control centres at the authority's public board meeting in the Trades Hall. SPA members said they will look at the rationale for change, the evidence behind the proposals and the impact on staff and the communities affected. Speaking ahead of the meeting, SPA chairman Vic Emery said: "We recognise that this is a complex and sensitive proposal which has long-term implications for the organisation of policing, and the service's engagement with local communities. We have received a number of representations from staff and other interested parties since the proposals were published last week and these will inform the board's consideration of the issue. Before taking a decision on whether this strategic proposal is progressed, SPA members will ensure that the rationale behind this proposal is well-evidenced, that the delivery plan is sound, and that the outcomes will deliver service benefits for all parts of Scotland. Police Scotland wants to close its control rooms in Aberdeen, Stirling, Dumfries, Glenrothes and Pitt Street in Glasgow between April this year and December 2015. The reform of the police has mirrored changes in the fire service, which also moved to a single organisation in April, and is shifting to just three control centres in Johnstone, Edinburgh and Dundee, with Aberdeen and Inverness to close. Our story on the closure plans Kenny McAskill backs control room cuts