More power for cops

Cops in Rutherglen and Cambuslang could be handed more power to deal with local problems.

The Chief Constable has announced a 10-year plan that he says will “rationalise and modernise,” the force.

Writing in this week’s Reformer, Chief Inspector Gillian Scott, who covers Rutherglen and Cambuslang, says the plan will look to strengthen local policing.

Phil Gormley was appointed Chief Constable last year.

According to CI Scott, the plans will be underpinned by what she calls “four key pillars.”

These are: protecting the public; localism and serving diverse communities ; a sustainable operating model; and culture and performance.

CI Scott said priorities will continue to be: reducing violence, disorder and antisocial behaviour ; reducing deaths and injuries on the roads; protecting those most at risk; and counter terrorism.

She added: “What this means locally for Rutherglen and Cambuslang is that we will continue to strive to work better to listen to your concerns and deliver sustainable solutions to help everyone.

“The Chief Constable has made it clear that he will empower local police leaders to use their discretion and to make local decisions. We are presently reviewing our local community policing plan in order to improve local engagement.

“Police Scotland are facing unprecedented challenges and we won’t get everything right all of the time. We fully expect you to hold us to account, but I can promise that we will strive to deliver excellent local policing and will endeavour to gain your trust and confidence.”

Read the full statement on our letters page, 34