Support for local police

More than 300 officers throughout Scotland have been moved to support local policing divisions cope with the latest phase of the pandemic.

Police Scotland is stepping up measures to ensure community policing is equipped to deal with the added pressures Covid has brought.

At the same time, 258 probationary constables currently undergoing training at the Scottish Police College will also be deployed to local policing divisions.

The use of probationers and officers from specialist functions was successful both earlier in the pandemic and during the COP26 climate conference.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said:“we are working hard to maximise the availability of officers and staff in frontline duties to ensure that we continue to provide a highly effective policing service to our local communities.

”Omicron is having a significant effect on the country and Police Scotland is included in that. As a national service we can quickly flex resources and move people to where they are needed.”