Vote of confidence in the police force
A new report has revealed that public confidence in the police increased during lockdown.
A survey of more than 22,000 people found that 63 per cent had confidence in their local police during the three months since April.
That’s an increase of 21 per cent on the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey of 2018-19 (42 per cent) and the previous peak of 49 per cent in the 2012-13.
The analysis, outlined in Police Scotland’s most recent performance report, also details over 60,000 individual engagements officers had with the public in relation to coronavirus rules.
The figures show that even where officers required people to disperse, the vast majority co-operated. In just 6.5 per cent of cases, officers were required to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice, use reasonable force or arrest an individual.
The report also shows that recorded crime reduced significantly across a number of categories between April and June, although fraud and public nuisance calls increased substantially.
Proactive work contributed to a significant increase in reported crimes of online child sexual abuse, while domestic crime remains a significant concern and priority.
Inspector Stephen McManus, community policing team feels encouraged by the findings. He said: “The introduction of lockdown measures presented a unique and unprecedented set of circumstances for us all including the implementation of new legislation.
“The approach from the outset which I have previously mentioned was for officers to pro-actively engage with the public, explaining and encouraging them to comply, with any enforcement being a last resort.
“It is extremely encouraging to see the results of the report which I feel highlight how the residents of Cambuslang and Rutherglen have worked together in support of their local police and communities as a whole to safeguard the wellbeing of our most vulnerable members.
“I would personally like to thank everyone for their support throughout these challenging times and as we continue to move forward.”