At the end of March the Council installed new numbered signs at Portobello Beach on top of the marker posts at the far end of the existing beach groyne structures.
A jointly produced information video of the signs is now being released as part of the projects continuing efforts.
The signs provide an immediate and visually prominent location reference, not just to members of the public but also to attending emergency services, lifeboats, coastguard rescue teams and search & rescue helicopters.
Numbered 1 to 6, these signs are plotted on all emergency service, call and mapping systems:
Marker 1 – Pipe Lane
Marker 2 – Bath Street
Marker 3 – Bellfield Street
Marker 4 – John Street
Marker 5 – Bedford Terrace
Marker 6 – End of promenade at Joppa Road.
Police will continue working with partners as the year continues at Portobello.
In a beach or coastal emergency, please dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
More than 1,000 assaults on officers and staff included coronavirus related context during 2020-21, according to latest analysis by Police Scotland.
The 1,087 reports were identified by searching cases for keywords relating to coronavirus such as ‘spit’, ‘cough’ and ‘Covid’.
The figure contributed to a total of 6,942 recorded assaults on officers and staff, 413 more than the year before, an increase of 6.3% year on year.
Reported assaults are also up 18% on the five year average, continuing a long-term trend of increasing assaults against the police.
There were 550 assaults in Edinburgh (E division) with a further 402 in Lothian and Borders (J), but specific Covid-related numbers are unavailable. The highest number of assaults recorded was in Greater Glasgow, where 1577 assaults were recorded, of which 336 were Covid-related.
Deputy Chief Constable, People and Professionalism, Fiona Taylor said: “Officers and staff stepped-forward to help combat the spread of the virus, conducting in excess of 120,000 interactions with members of the public to explain rapidly changing guidance, encourage everyone to do the right thing and enforce the law where required.
“I am grateful to the vast majority of people who responded with remarkable co-operation and support for their police service.
“Officers and staff work with dedication and a commitment to helping people and violence and abuse against them is utterly deplorable and unacceptable. It is not simply part of the job and will not be tolerated.”
Police Scotland has brought additional focus to tackling the concerning issue of violence and abuse against officers and staff under the Your Safety Matters initiative, led by DCC Taylor.
The initiative, in which staff associations and unions are represented, contributed to the development of the Chief Constable’s Assault Pledge, backed by the Lord Advocate and the Cabinet Secretary of Justice.
The pledge was launched in August 2020 and promised to provide appropriate support to colleagues where violence occurs, as well as calling on wider society and the public to support policing.
During the last year, Police Scotland has established an enhanced Operational Safety Training programme which increases the annual refresher course from one day to two days and introduces new techniques and de-escalation tactics.
New guidance for officers and staff has also been published to support better reporting of health and safety incidents and assaults.
DCC Taylor said: “Tackling the concerning trend of increasing assaults on officers and staff is a priority for Police Scotland.
“It causes physical and psychological harm to dedicated public servants. There is also a cost to the public purse through days lost to ill-health or personal injury claims.
“We will continue to work to better understand how we prevent violence and abuse against officers and staff, what impact it has on our colleagues, and how we can better support them to do their job.”
Police Scotland recently asked for public views on armed police officers using Body Worn Video cameras to record certain incidents. Almost 9,000 people took part in that survey and the majority thought the use of BWV would increase trust and confidence in the police and make them feel safer.
This positive response means we will now equip our armed police officers with body worn video cameras this year. In addition, we expect to start a national consultation with the public in the summer about providing BWV cameras to more officers and staff right across Scotland.
We have improved our infrastructure to support more take-up of existing Taser provision and are engaging with partners and elected representatives about plans to increase the numbers of Specially Trained Officers equipped with this important safety kit.
Focus on the critical issue of officer and staff safety will continue in 2021-22 and further details will be released as progress is made.
Police Scotland has released an image of a female they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries in relation to a racial incident which occurred near to Ibrox Stadium on Saturday 15 May 2021.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police via telephone number 101 quoting incident number 1048 of Saturday 15 May 2021.
Anyone sending information can choose to remain anonymous.
Alternatively you can contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Police have released CCTV images of seventeen people they believe may be able to assist with enquiries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police via telephone number 101 quoting incident number 1048 of Saturday 15 May 2021.
Officers investigating the disorder at George Square have made another two arrests. Two men, aged 34 and 44, have been arrested and charged in relation to the disorder and have been released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.
Detective Inspector Craig Warren, who is leading the investigation, said: “These arrests are just the beginning and the public can be confident we are doing everything possible to identify those responsible for the violence and disorder that took place.
“This will take time due to the numbers involved but rest assured, if you were involved in causing this disorder, violence or anti-social behaviour you will be arrested.
“We are continuing to review CCTV, video and still images and I would appeal to anyone who may have captured incidents on their mobiles to please get in touch with us. You may have footage that could help us in our investigation and it’s vital we speak with you.
“The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is available for the public to send any information, photographs or images directly to the investigation team.
“There has been footage circulating on social media covering the events in George Square. If you recognise people involved in these acts of violence and disorder, please let us know. You can contact 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Police Scotland officers across the country took part in a UK-wide week of activity targeting County Lines drugs dealers – who exploit the most vulnerable people in our communities, including children and young adults.
County Lines refers to criminals from larger cities who expand their operations into smaller towns. They endeavour to exploit young and vulnerable people to sell drugs, carry cash and weapons – bringing violence, coercion and abuse. They may also take over a vulnerable person’s house, or cuckooing.
Police Scotland’s Assistant Chief Constable Pat Campbell, said: “County Lines gangs are not welcome in Scotland. They groom and exploit the most vulnerable people in our communities including children and young people. People are intimidated, coerced, threatened and force into storing or selling drugs.”
During the national intensification week between Monday 17 and Sunday 23 May 2021 – co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) – proactive action by officers in Scotland saw engagement with 29 vulnerable people and 64 addresses, believed to be used for the purposes of cuckooing, were visited.
20 people were arrested and controlled drugs – heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and cannabis with an estimated street value of £40,000 – were seized.
Over £20,000 in cash was recovered. Offensive weapons, including a Taser, two machetes and two large knives, a number of mobile phones, a laptop and almost £500 of counterfeit cash, were also seized.
County Lines gangs are known to use the postal system to transport drugs, and during the week of activity a number of post offices in Police Scotland’s Highlands and Islands Division were visited by the Dog Unit.
A package containing high-purity cocaine, with a street value of more than £25,000, was intercepted and a subsequent search of a property in Simpson Place in Dingwall saw cannabis worth around £40,000 being recovered. A 32-year-old man was arrested and enquiries are ongoing.
Assistant Chief Constable Campbell added: “Our officers remain absolutely committed to working with our partners to reduce the exploitation of vulnerable people and safeguard individuals who may be at risk, and pursue offenders.
“Together we will provide support to those targeted by unscrupulous criminals, to reduce ongoing risk and enable recovery; and we will continue to make Scotland a hostile environment to those who seek to engage in criminal activity. The positive results during the day of action are an example of this work which will continue in support of the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy and the Drug Harm Reduction Strategy.
“As ever, I would urge anyone with concerns to report them to Police Scotland or alternatively to Crime stoppers anonymously.”
UPDATE: Police are pleased to confirm that Peter Macquarie has been traced safe and well. We would like to thank the public for their assistance.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police Scotland is appealing for information to trace a vulnerable man missing from Edinburgh.Peter MacQuarie, 65, was last seen around 4.50pm today, Wednesday, 26 May, in Hayfield, East Craigs.
He is described as white, around 5ft 10, bald with a short grey beard and moustache. When he was last seen he was wearing a grey jacket, green jumper, black jeans, brown shoes and a blue beanie hat.
Inspector Caroline Flynn, Drylaw Police Office, said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Peter as this is out of character for him and just want to know he is okay. He is very vulnerable, can get confused and is unsteady on his feet.
“He does not have a mobile phone with him, however does have a bus pass. When he travels, he tends to take the bus and has been known to take the number 31 bus towards the Bonnyrigg area.
“We are working with the relevant travel companies, and checking CCTV, to see if he has travelled, however would appeal for anyone who may have seen a man matching his description to get in touch with us.”
Anyone with any information should contact Police via 101, quoting incident number 2899 of Wednesday, 26 May, 2021
Two boys aged 14 and 15 have been charged after a stone was thrown at a bus in Pennywell Gardens, smashing a window. The incident occurred around 7.10pm on Wednesday 5 May.
Inspector Johnny Elliott of Drylaw Police Station said: “This kind of behaviour is dangerous and the consequences could have been far more serious.
“As part of Operation Proust, officers have been visiting schools in the area and speaking to youths about the dangers of throwing stones at public transport vehicles. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will make every effort to identify those responsible.
“Information from members of the public is vital in helping us quickly identify those involved in this type of criminality and we would encourage anyone who witnesses an incident to contact Police Scotland through 101.
“Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
UPDATE: Police have confirmed that 13-year-old Zakiyya Haider has been TRACED safe and well. Police thank the public for their assistance.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 13 year old girl reported missing from her home in the Corstorphine area of the city.
Zakiyya Haider was last seen around 5pm last night (Friday 21 May) when she left home.
She is described as 5ft 5ins tall, of slim build with long dark hair and brown eyes. When last seen she was wearing all black clothing.
Inspector Keith Forrester said: “Zakiyya’s mum and sister are growing very concerned for her, therefore I would ask anyone who may know where she is to get in touch. Likewise if she sees this appeal please call your family or Police Scotland to let us know you are safe.
“Anyone who has information that may help us find Zakiyya is asked to call Police Scotland quoting incident 4104 of 21 May 2021”.
On Saturday, 22 May, 2021, St Johnstone and Hibernian go head to head in the Scottish Cup Final.
There is always significant interest in these extremely important fixtures and despite the match being played behind closed doors, this weekend’s game will be no exception.
The game is eagerly anticipated and passions can run high. However, fans can be assured that preparations for policing any gatherings in relation to the match are well underway with public safety being Police Scotland’s primary concern.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “The Scottish Cup Final on Saturday is an important day for everyone involved with St Johnstone and Hibernian football clubs and we will have an appropriate policing plan in place to maintain public safety.
“It is vitally important that both sets of fans avoid gathering in large groups and stick to the regulations in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“I also want to take this opportunity to remind people that the use of pyrotechnics is extremely dangerous. We have seen from events in recent weeks that the consequences of their use can be severe, you might not just injure yourself using them, but you could also seriously injure those in your vicinity.
“Police Scotland is already working with both teams and our partners, including the Scottish Government, to ensure the match goes ahead safely and supporters follow the restrictions for their own safety and that of the wider public and our officers.
“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance, but officers will not hesitate to use enforcement powers as a last resort.”
Survey finds strong levels of public confidence in Police Scotland
Strong levels of public confidence in Police Scotland have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of people supporting our approach to keeping people safe.
When asked for their opinion of policing in their local area and concerns regarding their safety and wellbeing, 84% of respondents who took part in the ‘Your Police’ 2020/21 survey also said they felt safe.
The survey – which launched on 9 April last year – received more than 36,500 responses from people across Scotland. This will help us to build on our understanding of the views and priorities of Scotland’s diverse communities.
During the survey period, the average public confidence level was 57% – an increase of nine percentage points from pre COVID-19. We learned that the factors which affected public confidence most were local changes to transmission rates and lockdowns, in particular the announcement of the national lockdown which began in January. The restrictions and increasing infection rates were factors for both Police Scotland and other public organisations, in general.
The survey feedback has helped shape and enhance Police Scotland’s response to our communities over the past year, as our officers, staff and Special Constables have continued to play a key role in the national effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.
This response has included:
Increased police presence at identified key locations. This was particularly important to those living in rural areas with lower COVID-19 rates, who had concerns about domestic tourists from Scottish regions with higher infection rates visiting their area.
The use of enhanced technology. This included the introduction of online reporting for members of the public for perceived breaches of the COVID-19 regulations as well as the use of video appointments for the public and for community meetings, allowing for safe and accessible face-to-face contact.
Increased engagement with more than 250 organisations representing the interests of diverse communities and businesses. This helped improve awareness of the needs and challenges faced by those living with physical, sensory and learning difficulties, when practicing social distancing and using face masks. An event exploring public confidence within ‘seldom heard’ communities will also take place on May 19, co-hosted by Police Scotland, to help further enhance our support to these groups – further information below.
Tracking responses received from those living and working in communities with tighter restrictions and outbreaks. Monthly public confidence trackers have been created for each Local Policing Division to support local planning, accountability and scrutiny.
Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr, Local Policing, said: “Despite the continued challenges to policing during such an extraordinary time, Police Scotland has continued to maintain high levels of public confidence, and I am particularly pleased that such a significant proportion of the population continue to feel safe in the area they live.
“The strong relationships we have with our communities have been absolutely crucial, and providing reassurance to the people we serve during this challenging time has been a key priority.
“The ‘Your Police’ survey is the largest of its kind in the UK to involve the public in a conversation about policing and COVID-19, and I would like to thank the tens of thousands of people who took the time to get involved.
“The results were reviewed on a weekly basis, helping us to respond to emerging issues, and shape our approaches to policing at a national and local level. The survey has been relaunched to allow the public to continue letting us know their views and opinions over the coming months, and I would encourage you to take part.”
In addition, there was an extremely high level of satisfaction recorded among those who were in contact with police during this challenging time. More than 70% of people, who either reported or witnessed a crime, said they were satisfied with their experience when dealing with Police Scotland.
Furthermore, over 80% of respondents were satisfied with how they were treated by call operators and attending officers, and 87% felt that their needs were properly understood.
DCC Kerr added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our fellow citizens for the overwhelming support and co-operation policing has experienced during this very challenging year.
“Our officers will continue to respond with good sense, exercising discretion and when necessary, taking enforcement action where required.”
Police Scotland’s Positive Action Team will be hosting an online information/recruitment event aimed at people from Minority Ethnic communities across Scotland.
This event will give attendees and their families a fantastic opportunity to hear from serving Minority Ethnic officers and their experiences as a police officer in Scotland as well as the opportunity to ask questions.
The event will also focus on the recruitment process and the training, with a unique insight in to life at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan from a Minority Ethnic perspective.
Saturday 5th June 2021: 10am – 12pm
To sign up, please contact the following email address:
