Specialist police have deployed in Dundee city centre today under a joint UK operation to disrupt criminal activity – including terrorism.
Officers were spotted outside the Wellgate Centre on Wednesday morning speaking to people as they walked by.
One commuter arriving in the city said police officers were also at the railway station, with a female officer seen making conversation as people left the area.
Project Servator, which police say aims to reassure the public, is used to gather intelligence and combat crime through “high visible and unpredictable” deployments.
Specially trained officers deployed in Dundee to combat crime
“They can happen anywhere at any time,” an explanation for the operation says.
It involves officers being deployed into areas without notice, speaking with the public and monitoring the local area.
Police Scotland said: “We work with partners, including businesses and security staff, to keep Scotland safe.
“The aim is to make Scotland a difficult place for criminals and terrorists.
“Project Servator has been successful in gathering intelligence. It has helped Counter Terrorism Units investigate and prevent acts of terror.
“It has also resulted in arrests. It helps remove firearms, knives and drugs from the streets.”
What is Project Servator?
The units are made up of specially trained officers who are both in uniform and plain clothes.
A spokesman added: “Officers will speak to people and local businesses to let them know what they are doing.
“They will remind them to be vigilant, trust their instincts and report any suspicious or unusual behaviour.
“You may also see officers handing out leaflets explaining what Project Servator is or posters on display.”
