Nwicker60
28-Apr-11, 16:07
New chief is committed to rural policing
NORTHERN Constabulary's new Chief Constable George Graham highlighted the importance of rural policing services during his first visit to Caithness and Sutherland since taking charge of the Force.
Following a visit to the Divisional Command headquarters at Wick, to meet with new Divisional Commander, Superintendent John Chisholm, the Chief Constable spent some time with Bettyhill's Rural Beats Officer, Andy Wymer.
PC Wymer is in charge of the area's new Rural Mobile Patrol Vehicle which will serve villages across the Caithness and Sutherland Area Command.
Speaking from Bettyhill, today, Chief Constable Graham said he was keen to underline his commitment to rural policing services.
He said: "Northern Constabulary is committed to providing visibility and quality of service in rural areas. Policing is not about bricks and mortar; it's about officers providing a service to our communities. During these times of austerity, it is important to demonstrate our commitment to making efficiency savings through shared services. The creation of the shared service point in Bettyhill, is a good example of this.”
The chief constable continued:"The introduction of the Rural Mobile Patrol Vehicle, again highlights the fact that we are committed to looking at innovative new ways of providing a quality service to the people of the Highlands and Islands, including those in the most remote areas."
He added: "The Force's strategic review of services created a new divisional structure and officers policing rural communities, like those in Caithness and Sutherland, will benefit through improved and devolved access to back office support and operational resources."
The Chief Constable also visited staff in Dornoch, Thurso and Rhiconich amongst others between Wednesday and today.
NORTHERN Constabulary's new Chief Constable George Graham highlighted the importance of rural policing services during his first visit to Caithness and Sutherland since taking charge of the Force.
Following a visit to the Divisional Command headquarters at Wick, to meet with new Divisional Commander, Superintendent John Chisholm, the Chief Constable spent some time with Bettyhill's Rural Beats Officer, Andy Wymer.
PC Wymer is in charge of the area's new Rural Mobile Patrol Vehicle which will serve villages across the Caithness and Sutherland Area Command.
Speaking from Bettyhill, today, Chief Constable Graham said he was keen to underline his commitment to rural policing services.
He said: "Northern Constabulary is committed to providing visibility and quality of service in rural areas. Policing is not about bricks and mortar; it's about officers providing a service to our communities. During these times of austerity, it is important to demonstrate our commitment to making efficiency savings through shared services. The creation of the shared service point in Bettyhill, is a good example of this.”
The chief constable continued:"The introduction of the Rural Mobile Patrol Vehicle, again highlights the fact that we are committed to looking at innovative new ways of providing a quality service to the people of the Highlands and Islands, including those in the most remote areas."
He added: "The Force's strategic review of services created a new divisional structure and officers policing rural communities, like those in Caithness and Sutherland, will benefit through improved and devolved access to back office support and operational resources."
The Chief Constable also visited staff in Dornoch, Thurso and Rhiconich amongst others between Wednesday and today.