Tag: Police Scotland

Police Scotland reorganises staff to tackle Omicron challenge

Police Scotland is increasing the number of officers deployed in local policing divisions to support communities during the latest phase of the COVID pandemic.

More than 300 officers from specialist functions throughout Scotland will move to support colleagues in local policing divisions temporarily from Monday, 10 January, 2022.

At the same time, 258 probationary constables currently undergoing training at the Scottish Police College will also be deployed to local policing divisions.

The use of probationers and officers from specialist functions was successful both earlier in the pandemic and during the COP26 climate conference.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said “We are working hard to maximise the availability of officers and staff in frontline duties to ensure that we continue to provide a highly effective policing service to our local communities.

“Omicron is having a significant effect on the country and Police Scotland is included in that. The welfare of our officers and staff is paramount and has been throughout the pandemic.

“As a national service we can quickly flex resources and move people to where they are needed and respond to increased demand and high absence levels.

“By deploying these extra resources we can support local policing and keep people safe during this critical time.”

Concern over missing Portbello woman Alice Byrne: can you help?

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for the assistance of the public in tracing a 28-year-old Alathea Byrne – known as Alice – who is missing from her home in Portobello.

Alice was last seen by her family at her home around 2am on Saturday, 1 January. She met friends in Marlborough Street and left a flat there around 10am on Saturday.

She is described as white, around 5ft 6ins in height and of medium build with short black hair. When she was last seen she was wearing an orange jacket, black top, black jeans and white trainers. She was carrying a black rucksack.

Inspector Keith Scott said: “It is out of character for Alice not to keep in contact with her family and friends. We are becoming increasingly concerned for her wellbeing and we are working to trace her as soon as possible to ensure that she is safe and well.

“Searches and enquiries have been ongoing since she was reported missing, and we are now asking the public for any assistance they can provide.

“I would urge anyone who has seen Alice since Saturday morning, or anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact us as soon as possible.

“I would appeal to Alice herself to contact us if she sees this appeal. Contact 101 quoting reference 0647 of 2 January.”

Police Scotland to hold online recruitment event for women

Police Scotland would like to encourage more women to consider becoming a Police Officer in Scotland.

We are hosting an online recruitment event aimed at women on Monday 10/01/22 from 6.30pm – 8pm via MS Teams.

Email to sign up: recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.pnn.police.uk

Police Scotland officers recognised in New Year Honours List

Four Police Scotland officers have been recognised for their outstanding public service in the New Year Honours List 2022.

Judi Heaton, who recently retired as an Assistant Chief Constable, Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Head of Road Policing and Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie, area commander for Oban, Lorn and the Isles, Mid Argyll and Kintyre and the Islands, will each receive the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) – the highest honour awarded for policing service.

Graeme Anderson, from Monifieth in Angus – who was the Lead Events Planning Officer for Police Scotland’s Tayside Division – is to be presented with an MBE for services to event planning and law and order in Dundee.

Commenting on the officers being recognised, Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM said: “Policing is a demanding and rewarding vocation and I am grateful for the professionalism and public service demonstrated by officers, staff and special constables every day, in every area of Scotland.

“I give my warmest congratulations and thanks to those who have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen today.”

Judi Heaton said: “This is a wonderful surprise and ending to my policing career. I’ve been privileged to work with some amazing people and I feel very honoured and humbled.”

Chief Superintendent Blakelock said: “I am extremely humbled and honoured to have received this recognition for doing a job that I love.”

Chief Inspector Baillie added: “I am honoured and extremely grateful to the person who nominated me, my teams who deserve special recognition for the amazing work that they do and my family for their continued support.”

Graeme Anderson said: “It’s a huge honour for me to receive an MBE and I’d like to thank all those people I’ve worked with over the years who helped to make events in Tayside safe and successful.

“Special thanks goes to my wife Lynn, who without doubt deserves the award far more than I do.”

Photograph clockwise from top left – Judi Heaton, Graeme Anderson, Marlene Baillie and Louise Blakelock.

Police: Hogmanay Safety Message

We will have dedicated teams of officers deployed on foot across the city centre to prevent disorder and provide reassurance to the public to make sure everyone can enjoy Hogmanay safely.

Superintendent Mark Rennie from St Leonard’s Police Station said: “Although planned events in Scotland’s capital have been cancelled this year as a result of the Coronavirus, we will have a significant police resource available to ensure everyone keeps safe during the night.

“Our officers will be joined by volunteers from Street Assist Edinburgh and other outreach services who will be on hand to offer help and support.

“We will also be supported by The City of Edinburgh Council who will have staff out including taxi marshals, environmental wardens, night time teams and CCTV operators to prevent incidents from escalating and to ensure that everyone gets home safely.

“If you are intending on visiting the city centre please ensure you plan your night, as licensed premises are operating at a significantly reduced capacity, with some operating a booking system.

“It is also important that you have a plan for getting home before you go out, keep your mobile phone charged, look after your valuables and keep an eye on how much alcohol you drink as overindulgence can impact on your behaviour.”

Man charged in connection with the death of a couple in Livingston

Police Scotland can confirm that a 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a man and a woman in Livingston.

Officers were made aware of the deaths around 11.40pm on Sunday, 26 December, 2021, at a property in Raeburn Rigg, in the town.

The couple can be named as Denis and Mary Fell, both aged 73.

The man is due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court today (Wednesday 29 December).

DCI Kevin Houliston from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr and Mrs Fell and everyone affected by this tragic incident.

“A continued presence may be seen in the area as officers continue with their enquiries but this was a contained incident and there was no risk to the wider public.”

Keeping children safe online

The 12 Online Safety Tips Of Christmas for Children with New Devices.

Edinburgh Police & The City of Edinburgh Council’s Christmas wish is to #KeepXmasSafe for young people whilst online & keep parents & carers more informed.

National Online Safety

The City of Edinburgh Council

George Street assault: Police release images

Police have released images of a man they believe may have information that will assist their investigation into an assault, which occurred on George Street around 3am on Wednesday, 1 December.

The man is described as white, around 5’8” in height and of slim build with short dark hair.He was wearing a dark baseball cap, grey shirt, white-t-shirt, dark trousers and white trainers.

Anyone who recognises the man, or who has any information about this incident, is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference 0256 of 1 December 2021.

Crimestoppers can also be passed information anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police: Keep safe when partying

Everyone should be able to enjoy a night out without worry, but here are a few things you can do to stay safe:

Plan how you’re getting home before you go out.

Arrange a lift from friends or family, or use a licensed taxi hire.

Charge your mobile.

Stick with your friends and look out for one another.

Don’t do drugs, there is no ‘safe’ way to do so. Don’t risk your health and life.

If you see someone acting suspiciously, report them to door stewards, bar staff or police.

Visit our website for more safe night out tips ➡️

http://ow.ly/s1Fw50H9AqY