The number of applications to join Police Scotland dropped by more than half last year, figures show. There were 2,237 applications in 2021/22, down from 5,611 the previous year and 4,228 in 2019/20.
The data was revealed in a Freedom of Information request by the justice and social affairs magazine, 1919. On Friday, the Scottish Police Federation began what it called its "most overt demonstration of action" in 100 years as officers withdrew their goodwill in a pay dispute.
While police officers are legally prevented from taking industrial action, they will not start their shifts early or take radio equipment home when their duty ends. Further talks between the Federation and the Scottish Government are expected to take place on Monday.
