Panic alarms advice for councillors after killing
COUNCILLORS in the capital are being urged to install panic alarms in their local surgeries in the wake of the murder of MP Jo Cox.
Police in Edinburgh have issued specific advice on how elected members can keep themselves safe in the community and at home following the shooting in Yorkshire.
Suggestions included keeping a mobile phone with a pre-dialled number close by, organising an emergency escape route from the surgery and installing a panic button attached to a monitored alarm system.
Councillors were given the advice following the death of 41-year-old Labour MP Mrs Cox, who was killed outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, near Leeds, on June 16.
City councillor Alex Lunn, who has been a victim of threatening messages in the past, said he was taking the advice from police seriously.
He said: “Easy access for the public to councillors, MSPs and MPs is a cherished part of Scottish democracy and must be protected at all costs.
“Many of the measures being proposed are sensible. However, we have to remember that most councillor surgeries happen in public places like libraries, schools and community centres, often with members of the public and council staff nearby.
“In the unlikely event someone wishes to attack a councillor physically, then the safety of those nearby also needs to be considered.”
Police said they recognised surgeries take place in a range of environments, but urged councillors to ensure another trusted person is present during meetings.
Councillor Gavin Corbett said it was important staff dealing directly with the public were safe, adding: “It is quite right that councillors should have heightened awareness of safety at this time.
“The important thing is to take sensible steps to be aware of safety without diluting the need to be accessible.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Our priority is to keep people safe. We do not comment on security arrangements or on advice given to individuals.”
A city council spokesman said: “We will continue to work closely with Police Scotland on safety issues across the city to ensure that Edinburgh remains a safe place.”