Local politicians David Mundell MP and Alex Fergusson MSP are set to meet Stephen House, the new Chief Constable responsible for the new single Police Force, whose appointment follows major restructuring which saw all eight of Scotland’s regional police forces amalgamated into a single body.
The proposed meeting follows discussions between the Dumfriesshire MP and local area commander Chief Superintendent Kate Thomson, who is responsible for policing in Dumfries and Galloway.
Mr Mundell has previously expressed serious reservations about the proposals, but was encourage by the local area commander’s reassurances that most things will continue as they are and the fact that officers based locally will continue to determine the nature of the regions policing provision. Mr Mundell and Mr Fergusson are now keen to ensure that Scotland’s Chief Constable Stephen House understands the specific circumstances and policing expectations in Dumfries and Galloway.
Commenting Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell said: “This meeting is important as I want to ensure that Scotland’s Chief Constable is fully aware of the circumstances in Dumfries and Galloway. It is important that he understands understand the policing provision we have had and that we don’t want to see that change.
“We are privileged to live in a low crime area but it is important that the role of effective community based policing is recognised as having achieved this. Clearly everyone wants to see these resources maintained and it is right that decisions about policing in Dumfries and Galloway continue to take the views of local officers into account.”
Mr Mundell continued: “I am reassured after talking at length with our new local area commander that she will be able to ensure a smooth transition, and make sure that the public see minimal changes to successful local policing. Despite past concerns over the merger it is now time for local politicians to work effectively with the police to make the changes as successful as possible and make sure that local people’s views are heard at the national level within the new structure.”