Police Scotland has acquired 90 life-sized wooden effigies of police officers, referred to as 'pop-up bobs,' as part of an initiative to address dwindling numbers of visible police presence and deter offenses like speeding. The purchase of these cutouts cost the force £6,750.
This development comes as the total number of police officers in Scotland remains substantially lower than historical highs. Official figures for the second quarter of 2026 indicate 16,402 full-time equivalent officers, a two-year low. Police Scotland stated that these figures do not account for recent recruits, bringing the total to 16,492. However, this number is still below the peak of 17,496 officers recorded in early 2013 and below the 16,644 officers at the end of 2022.
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Stephen Kerr criticized the initiative, stating, "Under the SNP Scotland’s front line of defence against crime is increasingly made up of cardboard." He further commented that the force spent thousands on plywood officers and acknowledged not tracking the exact number of cutouts deployed. "This isn’t community policing, it’s community pretending. You cannot cut-and-paste your way out of a staffing crisis," Kerr added.
The use of these wooden figures was revealed through a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Scottish Tories. The cutouts are designed to be near life-sized and can be mistaken for real officers by passing motorists.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland defended the use of the pop-up officers, describing them as an "important tool" for communities concerned about speeding. "They are a visual reminder to road users to drive in a responsible manner and keep within the speed limit," the spokesperson said. The force clarified that these cutouts are not a replacement for regular patrols or safety cameras but are part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety across local divisions. "Road safety is an absolute priority for Police Scotland across the country and we make use of a number of different approaches to improve it," the statement concluded.
Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs noted the recent intake of 169 probationers, bringing the establishment to 16,492 officers. He also highlighted high retention rates within the force compared to other organizations.
A Scottish Government spokesman affirmed that the government is investing over £1.7 billion in policing this year, which will enable Police Scotland to maintain officer numbers at 16,500 and continue prioritizing frontline services. The spokesman also pointed out that Scotland maintains more police officers per capita than England and Wales, and recorded crime has fallen significantly since 1991.
One cutout has been observed with a speed gun attached to a 20 mph speed limit sign in Fortinghall, Perth and Kinross. Another was seen on patrol in Clydebank.
