HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland has today published its report following the recent inspection of the Edinburgh Division of Police Scotland.
The report states that more crimes are being committed and less are being solved in the capital compared to the rest of Scotland whilst “positive progress” is being made in only six out of 15 local policing plan objectives with confidence and satisfaction “declining” and below the national average.
Reports of housebreaking increased by 20.8% however crimes of violence have decreased by 3.4% compared to the previous year.
The report also highlights the abstraction of officer to maintain public order at courts as well as the number of officers drawn from local policing teams to police the 1150 pre-planned events in the city.
HM inspector of constabulary, Derek Penman said: “We have taken the view that many of the issues affecting Edinburgh Division have arisen because of the specific challenges that come with being the capital city.
“The single force has provided greater access to specialist support and has provided additional officers’ to assist in meeting these challenges.
“However I believe there is now a need for Police Scotland to review the balance between local policing and specialist resources to ensure there are sufficient officers within response and community policing roles across the division.
“The positive trends across Scotland of reducing crime levels and improved detection rates are not mirrored in Edinburgh.
“However these challenges around performance existed before the creation of Police Scotland; and the reasons for them are complex and examined in our report.”
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.
