Police will be 'reaching out' to community councils after Wick complaints

Scotland's national police force has given an assurance that it will be "reaching out" to all community councils in Caithness.

The pledge comes after the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC) expressed frustration about a lack of engagement from local officers.

Chairperson Joanna Coghill raised the issue at the group's August meeting and members agreed to write to Police Scotland.

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Coghill reiterated her complaints about "a complete lack of communication of any sort from the police" and added: "I'm tired of getting no response, no reports.

"We have asked many times for them to get in touch with us to address issues and concerns. It is extremely disappointing after previous assurances that they want to engage with the local community."

It is understood that Police Scotland has appointed Stephen Mezals as its new area inspector for Caithness, replacing Alasdair Goskirk.

Superintendent Dave Ross said: “Police Scotland is committed to working with local communities and therefore building good relationships with our community councils is a priority.

"Our new local area inspector will be reaching out to all our community councils and groups to maintain and improve engagement.

"Effective policing is not just about enforcement. It’s about working in and with our communities to identify and solve problems.”

In 2020, Inspector Goskirk said he had been looking at ways to "adapt and better engage with the community councils serving Caithness".

An agenda item is set aside for a local police report at each monthly meeting of RBWCC but generally there is neither an officer in attendance nor a written update.