Scottish police would continue to support English forces during riots or major events after independence, according to Scotland's Justice Secretary.
Kenny MacAskill will give the opening address to the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) of England and Wales next week, in which he will say that cross-border aid will continue if Scotland votes for independence in 2014.
He contrasted the "cuts", "attacks on terms and conditions" and "proposed privatisation" of police functions elsewhere in the UK with rising officer numbers and a "37-year low in recorded crime" in Scotland at the SNP's autumn conference in Perth.
He also echoed Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond's attack on the "Lord Snootys" in the Conservative Party, suggesting that the "Plebgate" row that forced the resignation of Tory Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell demonstrated a lack of "respect" towards the police.
"I don't care if they are patrician or plebeian," said Mr MacAskill ahead of his visit to Acpo.
"I will treat them with the respect and courtesy that those who serve their communities are entitled to receive."
He paid tribute to Pc David Rathband, who committed suicide after being blinded by gunman Raoul Moat, and the two female officers killed last month in Manchester.
"I'll assure them that in an independent Scotland we'll continue to remember those who have given their lives and co-operate across the border in tackling crime wherever it may be," he said.
"Mutual aid will continue to be given by Scottish Police as with supporting the Olympic Games or tackling rioting in English cities. Mutual aid will continue to be reciprocated here by English and Welsh officers as for the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
"Mutual aid will continue whenever it is felt necessary and appropriate by our Chief Constable."
