Tayside Chief Constable Justine Curran has told Angus councillors she cannot see a dedicated local division being part of Scotland’s new single force map.
She believes it unlikely the three-division structure of the current Tayside force will survive the nation’s biggest ever change in how policing is delivered, but that did not mean plans could not be put in place to help the district step into the new era in good shape.
She addressed a full turnout of councillors on policing in Angus and the major reform that will be ushered in by the recent decision to move to a single Scots force (link).
Councillors were given a positive picture for Angus, illustrating a downturn in relation to 10-year crime figures.
“The statistical story is good news a story of steady decline in Angus,” said Ms Curran. “Public perception is good, people feel safe and think we are doing a good job. We measure what we do and want to know that we are doing the best for our communities.”
She told councillors of the challenges facing Tayside, including budgetary pressures, and those lying ahead.
“It is a significant challenge for us to maintain the high quality of local policing that we deliver. I am very passionate about that and I do not want to see that damaged. I am not saying it will be damaged, but it’s a challenge for us as police leaders.”
She added: “Once we have become this significant larger organisation we have got this challenge of how we respond to local needs and people feel we are accountable to them.
“What we want to do is leave the best legacy to make sure we are in the best shape to fit into the new police service for Scotland and focus the lines of reform on what is best for the people of Tayside as we move into the new service.”
On the divisional structure question, she said: “There is still a lot of work to do. It is unlikely that Tayside will remain in its current three-division structure. It could be that Tayside moves to become one, but that detail is still to be worked through.
“There will also be a level of accountability for local councils where you will be able to ask your local senior officer to come and answer questions,” she added.
Councillors raised concerns of either a drop in front-line numbers, or the prospect of officers being lost to bigger towns and cities.
“The danger is that we move into simplistic terms by moving people to where we have more crime,” she said. “The way to make sure that doesn’t happen is to ensure we are thoroughly committed to achieving the outcomes you want us to achieve and make sure that’s tied into the process from the start.”