It’s all in a day’s work for Paisley’s busy police officers as we look back at 2017 on the beat

It’s been quite a year for Paisley’s boys and girls in blue as they as they faced down tough criminals and forged new links across our communities.

Officers are faced with dangerous situations almost every time they step on shift — but modern policing isn’t all high speed chases and tackling hardened crooks.

This year, police teams have reached into their local communities in a return to the old bobby on the beat model, visiting schools, groups and charities in an effort to put a human face to the uniform.

Today, we take a look back at some the highlights from this year.

Inspector Tracy Harkins, from Paisley’s community policing team, believes this year has seen her officers develop closer links with the community.

She said: “The new community policing model was implemented within the Paisley area in April 2017.

“The model has seen an increase in community officers throughout the Paisley area.

“The new model is based on good, old fashioned policing.

“Officers no longer have vast areas to cover and, instead, have the responsibly of smaller local areas.

“This allows the officers to establish close working relationships with residents, schools and organisations within their respective areas.

“The model ensures a close working relationship and gives residents and local partners a familiar face to discuss any issues they may have.

“I have been inundated with letters of appreciation from a vast selection of the public, highlighting the benefits of having a regular local officer to speak to.”