Top officer claims offices could be closed without hampering community policing

Tayside’s top police officer has claimed the safety of communities will not be impacted if any police stations close.

Police Scotland is looking at proposals to sell off several offices around the country and share buildings with public sector bodies, such as councils and the NHS, in an effort to make savings of between £5 million and £18 million a year.

Chief Superintendent Eddie Smith said there is no guarantee Tayside would be affected and insisted that if plans to sell off local offices are to be considered, the public and politicians will be consulted first.

He added: “There is no way we will be walking away from our communities.

“Whether we still occupy certain buildings or not will be up for discussion going forward, but our local officers will be very much in the heart of their communities.”