New top cop gets settled in

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new area commander for East Kilbride, Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

Firstly, can I congratulate Chief Inspector Gillian Scott on her recent promotion and wish her well for her future.

I have 20 years in the police service, firstly in the east end of Glasgow where I spent 14 years in a variety of roles prior to being promoted to a uniform sergeant’s post in Glasgow city centre.

I subsequently moved back into a specialised role within the intelligence arena supporting the wider division on the creation of Police Scotland.

Thereafter, I was promoted to inspector in Lanarkshire Division in 2014. I have spent the last few years familiarising myself with the division and I am fully aware of both the successes of the division and the concerns within the local communities.

On my recent promotion to the rank of chief inspector I was delighted to remain in the division and take up post as area commander based at East Kilbride.

I reside within Lanarkshire with my husband and two children and therefore have a great affiliation to the local area.

The command structure remains the same with both Inspector MacDonald and Inspector Gillespie remaining in post, meantime.

However, over the coming weeks there will be significant change within your local communities with the introduction of a new operating model which will see more community officers in the local area who will be able to respond and assist with your local policing needs.

This new model will allow for the right officers in the right place at the right time. With your continued support and engagement I am confident we will achieve this.

I would encourage you to continue to contact the community inspectors if you have any issues you wish to raise or discuss.

Their contact telephone numbers are:

Inspector Andy MacDonald (01355) 564002.

Inspector Jim Gillespie, (0141) 532 5251.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss any matter or require any assistance.

I am available at East Kilbride should you wish to speak to me in person.

Thanks for your support and I look forward to meeting you in the near future.