Justice Minister to visit Lewis 30/6/08
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill will find out more about the challenges of policing the Scottish Islands when he visits Lewis on Wednesday.
Mr MacAskill will discuss local policing issues with Chief Inspector Macrae, meet with members of the police board and visit officers at Ness Police Station. He will then meet "Buddie" the drug dog and members of the local Action on Drug and Alcohol Team.
Mr MacAskill said: "Community Policing is an integral part of policing in Scotland. That is why we are funding 1,000 additional officers in our communities. We are committed not only to recruitment, but to the retention of valued, experienced officers and the redeployment of officers to enhance operational policing.
"On Friday another batch of officers left training college as part of our pledge to increase police numbers in Scotland. People feel safer from crime if they see and experience effective frontline policing. Communities are stronger with an accessible, visible police presence to deal with all sorts of everyday emergencies.
"These new officers reinforce the message that we are determined to see more police officers becoming part of the fabric of the communities they serve, building local knowledge, forging strong relationships with families and businesses, and helping support safe and strong communities for all.
"Police should be woven into the very fabric of our communities: representative of us, accountable to us, and alive to the changing threats and opportunities our lives bring up. Police officers should be seen as well-liked, well-known figures in their local communities - not distant or faceless but visible, identifiable and accessible.
"From my many visits around Scotland I recognise the leadership of the police service in driving forward partnership working at a local level and that is the key to success. I believe that the role of police officers in tackling antisocial behaviour and promoting community safety through Community Safety Partnerships is crucial.
"We want an even greater focus on community policing as that is one of the main ways in which crime and fear of crime can be reduced. Communities will only become more confident and resilient if people feel safe from crime and antisocial behaviour. That means dealing with criminals effectively.
"It also means understanding why people commit crime in the first place, by tackling issues such as Scotland's relationship with drink, drugs, violence and deprivation. Work on all of those areas is underway and is being taken forward as a matter of urgency."
