Scottish police force mergers to be discussed by a new committee set up by the government. The first meeting of the Scottish Policing Board is expected to examine the possibility of merging eight forces into three constabularies — or even one. It will consider a report from four deputy chief constables who have been studying the future of policing. Sources close to the group say the senior officers have not made any recommendations, but instead will ask for permission to undertake more detailed work on the cost of shutting existing forces.