Top cop gives pledge on crime

Oct 22 2008 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Wednesday

THE newly appointed chief constable of Central Scotland Police has vowed to continue the fight to stamp out anti-social behaviour in local communities.

Kevin Smith, who officially took up his post on October 1, said that he has already had clear, early messages highlighting concerns about such disorder and that tackling those responsible for it is one of his priorities.

Speaking at a news conference earlier this week, Mr Smith, who comes to Central Scotland with 31 years of service with Strathclyde Police, said that he had already been out and about throughout the force area to get a feel for the challenges that lie ahead.

Mr Smith said: “What I need to do is take some time to take stock of what is going on in the area and I’ve spent the past couple of weeks in different police stations speaking to local commanders, officers and support staff.

“It’s been about trying to get a sense of what the people within the organisation think.”

Mr Smith revealed that he will also be taking to the streets of Stirling on patrol at the weekend to get a further indication of how the city centre itself looks in the early hours of the morning when revellers are pouring out of pubs and clubs.

He added that he has arrived at Central Scotland Police, not with a pre-conceived plan for the future but with the intention of basing the way forward on his previous experience and on what communities are telling him.

Mr Smith continued: “I think that the things that have come through very strongly are the views on anti-social behaviour – vandalism, street drinking, litter and yobbish behaviour. Behaviour that people are not prepared to tolerate and they are looking for us and others to do something about it.

“The force has been tackling it but the strength of the argument that is coming through challenges us to do more.

“Anti-social behaviour has been a clear focus of the force and will continue to be.”

Mr Smith also provided strong assurances to residents in out-of-town and rural areas that he was aware that problems can arise in such communities also and that these too would be addressed.

He said: “While much of my experience has been based in Glasgow, as Assistant Chief Constable I had responsibility for the entire force area.

“This meant that I could find myself in Glasgow city centre one day and be in Tiree or Mull the next, so I come here with a good idea of the difficulties that people in rural communities face.”

Mr Smith added that his aim was for excellence throughout the whole force area rather than in “small pockets”.

While acknowledging the importance of effective community policing, Mr Smith also emphasised that there were other key “threats” to which the force clearly had to remain vigilant of at all times – organised crime, drugs and counter terrorism.

Looking ahead to his hopes for the future, Mr Smith said: “I want to be able to continue the good record that Central Scotland Police has in reducing crime and catching criminals.

“Also to start getting the sense that people out there realise that we are tackling the anti-social behaviour and disorder that causes them so much annoyance and grief.

“ In addition I want to ensure that the confidence and trust in the police increases and that there are high levels of satisfaction. These are high aspirations but if you don’t aim high we’ll never achieve them.”

He added: “It’s for me to make sure that Central Scotland Police goes from strength to strength.”