That is pretty bad but isn’t really a political issue. Government should not and does not intervene in the day to day running of Police Scotland. Question on this should be directed to the Executive Team and the Scottish Police Authority.
Who instigated the amalgamation of all the forces?
The Scottish Government. But, Lazybones, that’s not really relevant.
Other services have also been amalgamated and don’t have this issue. These are operational matters for the executive teams and police watchdogs. Nothing to do with Government.
I know your lazy brain won’t like that, but it is what it is.