I’ll tackle thugs, drugs and theft New Chief Inspector vows to make a difference
David Campbell
Johnstone and Renfrew’s new area commander has vowed to tap in to more than 24 years of policing to tackle violence, bogus callers and drug crime in the region.
Chief Inspector Hazel Scott takes up the new post after a short stint in Greenock and is determined to create a tough environment for criminals operating in the area.
She is charged with leading more that 100 officers in dealing with minor and major crime across Johnstone, Renfrew and the villages.
Having worked in child protection, intelligence and planning, CI Scott is determined to make a positive impact on the communities her officers serve.
She said: “I have worked across a number of policing areas, in a number of divisions. This area has a number of challenges but the officers who police it are full of knowledge. It is a great team to be leading.
“The priorities for the division are tackling violent crime, drug crime, housebreaking and speeding motorists. So we are working very hard in those areas and I think with the new deployment model we have we are seeing a positive impact.
“We now have two bases, in Renfrew and Johnstone, to deploy from meaning we can be more flexible in how we deploy our resources.”
And the married mum-of-one, who spent much of her career in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, has been getting out and about and getting to know her new patch.
“I have been getting to know the lay of the land and speaking with officers to learn about the area and specific challenges.
“The division is split between urban and rural, so there are different issues to face.”
CI Scott is also determined to protect the most vulnerable in society.
“Bogus callers and doorstep crime is an issue in the region which I’m very keen to challenge. These criminals can be very clever and they prey on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“We are targeting these individuals, carrying out plain clothed patrol and high visibility patrols in areas where we know they operate.”
As she gets into the role, CI Scott’s major message to the public is the preventing and detecting crime relies on information.
“We want members of the public to give us information about things that are happening in their communities,” she explained. “People speaking to us and telling us what is going on is a huge tool in policing.
“Even if they want to get in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.”