A move to have a “visible” police presence in communities across Perth and Kinross has been described as exciting by a senior officer.
Police Scotland’s Tayside Division recently rolled out a new community policing model, with Inspector Kevin Chase placed in charge of the south section, which includes Strathallan, Strathearn, Almond and Earn and Kinross
Gordon Thomson is the locality inspector for the north section, which covers Highland, Strathtay, Blairgowrie and the Glens, Strathmore and the Carse of Gowrie. Meanwhile, Jon Anton is the new locality inspector for Perth City, covering the city centre, the city south and city north.
The initiative was previously described as bringing back “Dixon of Dock Green” policing by Chief Superintendent Paul Anderson, head of Police Scotland’s Tayside Division. He had described the change as “moving the clock backwards and forwards at the same time” so officers can deal with issues specific to an area, such as vandalism or wildlife crime.
Mr Chase said the new community policing model is “great” as there are now community officers identified for each police station they are manning.
“I am delighted and honoured to be appointed as a locality inspector for South Perthshire,” he said.
“My background and passion is for community policing and I have enjoyed my previous postings to rural communities such as Callander and Aberfoyle. Although I will be predominately based at Crieff Police Office, I will also be travelling to police stations throughout South Perthshire.
“We now have dedicated community police officers, including a community sergeant who is attached to each of the police stations. He or she is responsible for the community policing in their team.
“It is a brand new move for us all. Being visible in our communities is important but being seen — as well as heard — is key to the whole project.
“It’s a new start for all and it’s an exciting time. All three locality inspectors are excited about what is ahead within the community policing model.”
Mr Chase said information on the community policing in Tayside has been highlighted recently on social media. This included photographs of all three locality inspectors in Perth and Kinross.
And he spoke of his plan of action, which will include foot patrols in specific communities.
“I’ve been out in the community already and will be visiting some schools in the south section,” he added.
“I want to make us visible and that includes foot patrols.
“I was out on foot patrol in Crieff recently and intend to go out in Kinross and Auchterarder.
“The initiative is being rolled out in Tayside so they have the same community policing model in Dundee and Angus.”
