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View Full Version : Households to receive police request



Nwicker60
10-May-11, 12:47
You can help shape policing
in the Highlands and Islands

OVER nine thousand households across the Highlands and Islands will receive a request to take part in a survey over the next few days which will directly influence the future priorities and services provided by Northern Constabulary and its partners.
Together with their criminal justice partners, the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Court Service, the Force is responsible for keeping the public safe and making the justice system work for the benefit of the communities it serves. In order to achieve this, it helps to have a thorough understanding of the perceptions of our communities, both in respect to community safety issues and the services we provide.
Chief Constable George Graham emphasised the importance of community consultation.
He said: “This survey is just one of the ways in which we seek the views of the people we serve across the Highlands and Islands. It provides us with a valuable insight into the current concerns and the priorities of our local communities. Together with the many other ways in which we consult and engage with communities, it is a very important contribution in helping us to develop and improve the services that we provide. The last survey, in 2009, indicated that alcohol-related crime, anti-social behaviour, drugs and speeding were the main concerns for our communities. As a result, a number of significant activities have been undertaken, to reduce the impact that these issues have on our communities. These included specific operations such as Operation Roundup, to counter underage drinking, Operations Respect and Notebook, to counter anti-social behaviour and Operation Route to target speeding in villages.”
The introduction of Alcohol Consumption bylaws and the community work undertaken, by offenders, through fiscal work orders, has also helped to address the issues raised.
Area Procurator Fiscal Andrew Laing said: “Crown Office and the procurator fiscal service, once again welcomes this opportunity to consult with members of the communities in Highland and Islands in relation to the operation of criminal justice system in their locality. Priorities and concerns identified, by respondees, will influence the strategies set by all the criminal justice agencies, in delivering justice in the local communities.
Northern Joint Police Board convener, Norman MacLeod, encouraged people to make their view known.
He said: “These are challenging times for those providing public services, with much uncertainty and reduced funding. It is very important that local views and opinions help to shape priorities and the decisions which are made about local services. This survey will assist Northern Constabulary and the Northern Joint Police Board in planning for the future needs of our local communities over the next few years.”