Caithness policing review is high on list of priorities, councillors told

A review of policing in Caithness is high on the priority list of Highland's new police chief.

Chief superintendent Robert Shepherd has taken the reins as divisional commander, moving up to the Highlands from the Metropolitan Police.

At a meeting of the Highland Council’s communities and place committee, chief superintendent Shepherd outlined some immediate priorities.

These include a review of policing in Caithness, in the hope of delivering a stronger police presence in the county. He is also exploring options for a new police station in Alness.

Looking more broadly across the Highlands, the new divisional commander says he wants far more officers to have taser training. These are an effective way of keeping officers and communities safe, he said, outlining plans to have lockable taser cabinets in every police station.

Chief superintendent Shepherd acknowledged that public confidence in Police Scotland is low, at just 39 per cent in the latest survey.

However, he stressed that confidence tends to lag behind reality. And he hopes a boost will come soon from a quite unlikely source.

He told councillors that the BBC has filmed a new documentary series called Highland Blues, following Highland police officers in their day-to-day role. He expects the series to air in March or April, and told councillors it’s beautifully shot and highlights the great work of local forces.

He also hopes it will help boost recruitment. “I don’t know how they could watch it and not want to move here,” he said.