Q&A: Scotland's new police service - Police Scotland

The Police Service of Scotland - which will be known as Police Scotland - will begin its beat in two weeks.

On 1 April, the new 17,000-strong single national force will replace the current eight-force structure and become the second largest force in the UK, after the Metropolitan Police in London.

One of the new force's specialist units is already up and running.

The Specialist Crime Division (SCD), which includes 1,800 detectives, has taken responsibility for investigating major crimes.

How will the new force look?

Will people notice any difference?

Where will Police Scotland headquarters be?

How many staff will work for Police Scotland?

What is the Specialist Crime Division?

Are there other specialist units?

Any other changes?

What is the Scottish Police Authority?

Will the new service have a logo?

Who will be in charge of the new divisions?

There are currently eight chief constables, nine deputy chief constables (DCCs) and 13 assistant chief constables (ACCs) across Scotland.

The new service will have one chief constable, four DCCs and six ACCs.

Three of the assistant chief constables will be responsible for local policing and three for specialist units.

Each of the local ACCs will earn between £90,726 and £105,849 a year, subject to experience, and will cover a region of the country - east, west and north.

The chief superintendents will cover 14 areas across the country.