Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell joined local police officers to discuss issues affecting policing in Dumfries and Galloway as part of a tour of the CCTV facilities at Loreburn Street Police Station. Mr Mundell is concerned that the planned changes to policing in Scotland, which will see regional forces come under a single Scotland-wide policing authority and see resources redeployed from Dumfries and Galloway to the central belt.
The planned changes have this week been approved by the Scottish Parliament, however Mr Mundell believes the reforms will leave little accountability for local people and therefore it will be necessary for local politicians to help make their voices heard. Mr Mundell has pledged to closely monitor the situation and fight to keep resources locally.
Mr Mundell believes that rural communities require specialised policing and is keen that current provision is maintained. Mr Mundell was particularly impressed with the quality of CCTV footage available to the police in order to prevent and detect crime, as well as the inbuilt features to protect local residents’ privacy.
Speaking after the visit Mr Mundell said: “The police do an important job locally and we benefit greatly in this region from the experience our officers have in building up good working relations with local communities.
“I am determined to make sure this link between the police and communities continues under the new arrangements. It is vital that the new governance structures are held to account and that people’s safety and security are put ahead of cost cutting measures.
“I was greatly impressed by the CCTV facilities; they have come on greatly as technology has improved and now provide the police with an important crime fighting tool in the 21st century.”