New Tayside police chief arrives

THE NEW man in charge of policing in Tayside has said he wants to ensure it remains one of the safest places to live in Scotland.

Police Scotland yesterday confirmed the appointment of Chief Superintendent Eddie Smith as the region’s new divisional commander.

Chief Supt Smith, 48, joined the police in 1986 and has spent all his career in Strathclyde until now.

He has now begun work at police HQ in Dundee, where he succeeded Chief Superintendent Hamish Macpherson.

He said: “I want to pay tribute to the excellent work done by Hamish Macpherson and look forward to building on all that he has done in the Tayside division to help reduce crime and keep people safe.

“The ability and dedication of officers and civilian staff in the division has already impressed me and I am confident that we will continue to help make Tayside one of the safest and best places to live and work in Scotland.

“I recognise the importance of close working relations with our partners and will use this approach to build on the strong performance we have already seen in the first year of Police Scotland.”

Assistant Chief Constable CampbellThomson, who is in charge of local policing in the north of Scotland, said: “Eddie brings a wealth of experience and ability to his new role and I am confident he will add to the good work that has already been carried out in the Tayside division.”

Chief Supt Smith is a trained hostage and crisis negotiator, a public order Gold Commander and a firearms strategic Gold Commander.

He is also a trainer on the Police Scotland event commanders course, specialising in the role of football match commander.

The Tayside police region covers 2,900 square miles and has a population of almost 400,000.

Chief Superintendent Eddie Smith.