Drink-related abuse to our ‘blue lights’ is unacceptable
Scotland’s relationship with alcohol is well discussed in terms of its adverse effect in our society.
You will not be surprised to learn that alcohol has a significant impact on our three blue-light services — these being the police, fire service and ambulance.
A recent staff survey, within these services, has revealed that alcohol misuse is a contributory factor in around half of incidents dealt with.
Furthermore, the survey results state that almost two thirds of emergency personnel had faced difficulties in securing urgent information because of victims or callers being intoxicated and a third of blue-light workers reported that they had been subjected to physical abuse while attending an alcohol-related incident within the previous four weeks, while two thirds said they had experienced verbal abuse.
These results clearly highlight the issues faced by the emergency services as a result of alcohol misuse and it also demonstrates that due to being engaged with people who have consumed too much alcohol there are times when they are unable to quickly get to assist those who genuinely need help.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: “The findings of this survey are as stark as they are unacceptable.
“Over a four-week period, 36 per cent of police officers were physically abused and 75 per cent were verbally abused as a result of individuals who chose to misuse alcohol.
“Let’s be clear — this behaviour is having an impact on the capacity of all the emergency services.
“There is an impact from drinking too much alcohol and I really hope that people take some time to consider and reflect on these findings.
“We all want to enjoy ourselves and have a great night out but think about the impact you’ll have if you take it too far.”
This week, we are appealing for information after a male approached a male and female in the park at Burnblea Street, Hamilton and demanded property from them. He made off empty-handed.
He is described as being between 17 and 23, about 5ft 8in, slim build with a local accent and was wearing a light blue hoody with a dark scarf around his face.
This week we have arrested two males, both aged 19, in connection with a number of alleged crimes in the local area. These include an alleged robbery, theft of motor vehicles, theft by housebreaking and thefts from motor vehicles. Both males have been remanded in custody.
If you have any information you feel should be reported or information on any of the crimes previously detailed please contact the police using 101, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.