Extra officers to provide boost for local policing during Covid pandemic
Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.
MORE police officers are set to be deployed to local communities as the latest phase of the Covid pandemic progresses.
More than 300 officers from specialist functions throughout Scotland will move to support colleagues in local policing divisions temporarily from today (Monday, January 10).
At the same time, 258 probationary constables currently undergoing training at the Scottish Police College will also be deployed to local policing divisions.
The use of probationers and officers from specialist functions was successful both earlier in the pandemic and during the COP26 climate conference.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said “We are working hard to maximise the availability of officers and staff in frontline duties to ensure that we continue to provide a highly effective policing service to our local communities.
"Omicron is having a significant effect on the country and Police Scotland is included in that. The welfare of our officers and staff is paramount and has been throughout the pandemic.
“As a national service we can quickly flex resources and move people to where they are needed and respond to increased demand and high absence levels.
“By deploying these extra resources we can support local policing and keep people safe during this critical time.”