Police want to 'better engage' with community councils in Caithness

THE police intend to "better engage" with community councils in Caithness, according to a local senior officer.

Inspector Alasdair Goskirk wants improved links with the organisations and outlined his proposals in an email to Castletown and District Community Council.

The move was welcomed by members at their latest meeting. They have often criticised the lack of police presence at meetings.

Treasurer Gavin Sutherland said: "They are keen to send someone along to meetings and become more active in the community."

Inspector Goskirk said he has been looking at ways to "adapt and better engage with the community councils serving Caithness".

He wrote: "I have identified and nominated officers to each council. In the next couple of weeks they will start to make contact with you and discuss how best to update on policing in your area and Caithness as a whole. I will be auditing this and will be keen to hear any feedback."

The inspector noted the communities' main concerns are anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse and road safety, but he also highlighted violence issues and is keen to address them.

"This is beginning to yield results and, with the support from colleagues in Police Scotland and key partners, we have seen an increase in the number of search warrants executed across the area, persons reported to the procurator fiscal and taken to court for violence, anti-social behaviour and drug-related criminality.

"While the picture is looking more positive, I am not being complacent and, in particular, where it comes to keeping our roads safe. In the last week officers using unmarked police cars have stopped vehicles being driven in west Caithness at speeds which are completely unacceptable and pose a real danger to others.They will be reported to the fiscal and I will follow the outcome closely."

Inspector Goskirk encouraged community councils to take part in a Police Scotland consultation survey so they can have their voices heard as "we look at shaping the future model of policing".

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