COMMENT

ter being dealt with by those involved, it was reported to other authorities or it was regarded as a private matter.

Although a majority (58 per cent) said the police were doing a good or excellent job in the community, the figure was down from 61 per cent in 2012-13. Those living in poor areas were less likely to have confidence in the justice system and believe police were doing a good job.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: “This survey repeatedly highlights how out of touch the SNP justice strategy is and, as a result, public confidence in the police is diminishing.

“The SNP soft touch approach to crime abandons victims,underminesthepolice

LIAM KERR and enables criminals to walk away from punishment.”

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Scotland’s firm focus on prevention, responsive policing and local partnerships to help individuals and communities keep themselves safe has had a positiveimpactonlong-termcrime trends and people’s feeling of safety, with recorded crime at a 43-year low. While this progress is cause for encouragement, it will never be an excuse for complacency.”

He added that further research had been commissioned into violent areas.

“This survey repeatedly highlights how out of touch the SNP justice strategy is and, as a result, public confidence in the police is diminishing”