Bob Doris Glasgow SNP list MSP has welcomed today’s announcement from the Scottish Government’s Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, of a range of measures set to deliver a more visible police presence on Scotland's streets with an additional 1,000 police officers available in our communities.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today announced the investment of an additional £54 million over the spending
review period to build police capacity and support, as a first step, the recruitment of 500 new officers.

Welcoming this as good news for Glasgow Mr Doris said: "This is good news for Glasgow and shows the SNP Government is delivering the means to create a safer Scotland.

“What matters to the constituents I speak to is the ability of the police to respond locally. The means to do that is by allowing the police to respond with the right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time.

"That is why the Government's announcement is welcome because it is based on building the capability of the police to respond and not simply on numbers.

"We said in the election that creating a safer Scotland would be a top priority for an SNP government, with our actions focused on cutting crime and reducing the fear of crime.

"This initiative shows that the Scottish Government is delivering with its plans for a more visible police presence on local streets. This is what communities want. We have heard people's views
and that is why we will put more police on the beat.”

Notes:

Colin McKerracher, chief constable of Grampian Police and president of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, said: "ACPOS welcomes the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice of a package of measures to make 1,000 additional officers available in our communities - including investment to recruit 500 additional police officers across Scotland during the lifetime of this Parliament.

"We are also keen to work with the Scottish Government, Police Boards and other stakeholders in relation to enhancing community based policing whilst at the same time ensuring that the wide range of other policing responsibilities are delivered."