Rural policing priority pledge

Reassurance on future strategy

Perth and Kinross’s police commander has reassured councillors about the future of crime-busting priorities.

The Scottish Police Authority has started consultation on the future of the service, called Policing 2026: Serving a Changing Scotland, which appears to have left out rural crime matters.

But at PKC’s community safety committee meeting last week Tayside commander Paul Anderson said the draft strategy would be filled out over time with the needs and priorities, including those of Perth and Kinross.

Councillor Caroline Shiers raised the matter, saying that the strategy - which covers responding to the changing face of criminal activity appeared to be focused on cities and towns, and had failed to mention rural issues.

The Blairgowrie and Glens Conservative said: “There needs to be consideration given to rural areas in this document and consultation.”

She requested: “We ask that specific rural crimes are an issue and are flagged up within the document.”

Chief Inspector Anderson said that the consultation, which ends around the time of the local elections, would include speaking to council officials.

Supported by Perth and Kinross chief Maggie Pettigrew, they said that there were specific rural policing priorities which would remain in place.

The councillor also sought to ensure there was a passing on of information to the future council, post-election, to follow this up.

The strategy document shows that Police Scotland is expecting to cut officer recruitment in the coming years, based on reaching agreed levels. Around 400 jobs could go. It also reveals changing priorities which the national force will be looking to tackle.

Full details on the document and consultation can be found at https:// consult.scotland.police.uk/

The closing period for those interested in commening on the strategy is May 8.