Police Scotland says it will continue to engage with communities to offer reassurance following violent disorder in other parts of the United Kingdom.
Officers continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.
Today, Wednesday 7 August, 2024, Chief Constable Jo Farrell met with the First Minister John Swinney MSP along with Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie in Edinburgh.
The Chief Constable is also meeting with community groups in Glasgow to listen to their perspectives and offer reassurance.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Gold commander for the force’s policing response, said: “We understand the concern and officers right across Scotland are providing reassurance to communities across the country through enhanced patrols and direct engagement.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.
“Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our communities.
“We are aware of a number of potential protests, and counter protests, over the coming weeks, which will be policed appropriately but we are not going to speculate on or add publicity to individual potential events.
“I would also encourage everyone to be responsible in their use of social media and not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources.
“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation, and our role is to ensure public safety while balancing the rights of protesters who wish to peacefully demonstrate. We encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact us through 101.
“Violence and disorder is not legitimate protest and anyone who engages in disorder will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.
“Our thoughts continue to be with those affected by the appalling violence which has been experienced in some communities and with our brave colleagues in UK policing.
“We continue to be in close touch with other UK police services should requests for support be required.”
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.
