Police in Edinburgh are inviting people to help shape the future of policing in the Capital through a series of community drop-in sessions starting this week.
The sessions will give those who live and work in the city the chance to have their say on the Edinburgh Policing Plan 2014-2017, which will outline the approach that will be taken towards policing communities in the Capital, based on local priorities.
Police Scotland has already launched a survey seeking the views of residents and stakeholders, which is available to access online https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EdinburghLocalPolicePlan2014-17
This consultation process is continuing with the launch of the drop-in sessions, which are being hosted by Police Scotland in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The first session takes place tomorrow (Friday, November 8) at South Queensferry Library, and in the weeks ahead officers will be visiting neighbourhoods across the city in order to canvass views from local residents.
Superintendent Matt Richards, from Police Scotland, said: “The results of the consultation will be of huge significance in guiding our approach towards policing in Edinburgh in the three-year period 2014-2017, and it is vital that residents play their part in helping to inform the content of the plan.
“The community drop-in sessions are a great opportunity for people to have their say on policing in the Capital, and over the next month officers will be holding sessions in local neighbourhoods where people can have their say.
“I would encourage people to get involved and help us shape our plans around what is important to them.”
Cllr Mike Bridgman, Convener of the Interim Police and Fire Committee, said: “Community policing is vital for building safer neighbourhoods and I am very pleased that local residents are being asked to participate in helping shape its future.
“I would urge people to come along to these drop-in sessions so that they can have their say on these important plans for policing in Edinburgh.”
Group Manager Steve Gourlay, from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said “We are using these events as an opportunity to engage with the public to seek their views on the new Scottish service as well as providing home fire safety advice.”
The community drop-in sessions will be held on the following dates:
Friday 8 Nov (12 – 2pm) South Queensferry Library
Monday 11 Nov (12 – 2pm) Central Library
Tuesday 12 Nov (11am – 1pm) Craigmillar Library
Wed 13 Nov (2 – 4pm) McDonald Road Library
Fri 15 Nov (2.30pm – 4.30pm) Newington Library
Sat 16 Nov (10am – 12pm) Blackhall Library
Tues 19 Nov (10am – 12pm) CEC South Neighbourhood Office
Wed 20 Nov (10am – 12pm) CEC North Edinburgh Local Office
Fri 22 Nov (12 – 2pm) Oxgangs Library
Mon 25 Nov (12 – 2pm) Drumbrae Hub
Wed 27 Nov (12 – 2pm) Piershill Library
Fri 29 Nov (12 – 2pm) Wester Hailes Library
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
