New police path to tackle violent crime

Campaign adopts enforcement and community engagement approaches

Fife’s top policeman has warned that violence will not be tolerated as police launch a campaign to keep the kingdom safe.

Operation Path tackles violent crime through enforcement and community engagement activities.

As part of this officers will be undertaking high-visibility patrols alongside their Fife Council partners at hot spots.

In addition, police will be targeting known violent offenders in Fife and conducting bail checks to ensure offenders on licence from prison are adhering to the terms of their release.

Warrants will also be issued for those wanted for a violent offence.

Crime prevention is at the core of Operation Path and local officers from the central, west and east Fife areas will be working alongside partners to support activities aimed at directing young people away from potentially violent situations.

School liaison officers have started work with high schools. already

In Dunfermline, community policing teams have been working with Fife College and a local tattoo artist to help any teenagers interested in following this career path.

In Cowdenbeath a Kick Start partnership involving Police Scotland, Fife Council social work, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Sacro, Active Schools and Cowdenbeath FC aims to engage with children on the fringes of criminal behaviour.

Chief Superintendent Colin Gall said: “We recognise the impact violence has on our communities and, through Operation Path, we want to make it clear that such offences will not be tolerated in Fife.

“My officers have been working very closely with a range of partners to devise an action plan for tackling violence.

“We hope to not only see a reduction in crimes of this nature, but to have fostered even greater engagement with our communities in reporting violence when it does occur.”

Chief Inspector Stevie Hamilton, who is leading on Operation Path, said it was created specifically to look at the areas where violence tends to occur, identify those responsible or likely to become involved, and prevent further offending.

As well as patrols, officers will be working with the licensed trade to improve information sharing.

Officers have also helped at Dunfermline’s bus station by providing bus marshals, who will help deal with violent crimes during key times.

My officers have been working very closely with a range of partners to devise an action plan for tackling violence. CHIEF SUPT COLIN GALL