Police Scotlandlaunched its operation to keep people safe during the Edinburgh Festival earlier today.
During Operation Assure officers within the Capital will work alongside various partner agencies over the coming month in an effort to engage with the public and offer advice and guidance on crime prevention and personal safety. High-visibility police patrols will also be deployed throughout the city centre during the Festival to offer reassurance and address any issues or concerns people may have.
A special ad-trailer highlighting the Force’s new 101 non-emergency number will be on display and those who need to speak with police for incidents that don’t require a 999 response will be advised to utilise the new three-digit code.
The Edinburgh Reporter met with Chief Superintendent Mark Williams who heads up the policing operation in Edinburgh to find out more:-
This is the first Festival policing operation under Police Scotland. However, Edinburgh’s officers have a wealth of experience in welcoming the diverse range of tourists and attractions that come to the city each year. As part of Police Scotland’s commitment to continued engagement with communities, this Festival will be the most interactive yet, with police utilising Twitter to deliver updates and information on policing information relevant to the Festival.
Members of the public are invited to follow the Capital’s policing account on Twitter – @EdinburghPolice and join in the discussions by using #FestivalPolicing.
Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh said: “The Festival is an exciting time for the city, with so much fantastic entertainment, sights to see and events to participate in.
“It’s also a busy period for police, as tens of thousands of tourists arrive and local residents take advantage of all that is going on across the City.
“With that in mind, it is essential that Police Scotland provides a visible presence throughout Edinburgh as part of our commitment to keeping people safe.
“Officers will be out and about on foot and bike patrols, and we will be delivering key messages to the public via social media.We are determined to ensure the Festival is enjoyed by everyone and remembered for all the right reasons.
“I would urge the public to take advantage of the different methods for communicating with police during this time and get in touch if they have any policing issues they wish to discuss.”
Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are world renowned and create a wonderful atmosphere that attract tens of thousands of people every year.
“Edinburgh is a safe city and we will be working closely with Police Scotland to make sure that this continues to be the case, by encouraging people to enjoy this special time of year safely and responsibly.
“I would encourage anyone with any concerns to contact the Police and help us make this year’s Festival a safe and pleasant experience for all residents and visitors.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
