Political and civic leaders gathered in Glasgow today for a crime summit organised by SNP councillor Billy McAlister. Mr McAlister teamed up with local MSP, Bob Doris, as he invited representatives from all political parties to look at new ways of tackling Glasgow’s higher than average crime rate.

Mr Doris said: "We had constructive dialogue with police representatives and both local and national political figures. The presence of the Cabinet Secretary for Justice shows just how seriously the Scottish Government view the issue within Glasgow.

“There has been a historic failure to tackle organised criminals in this city and that needs to change. We need to tackle drink, drugs and deprivation and that requires collective input and political consensus.

“Today’s summit was about airing new ideas and involving every political party and every level of our political process to help build that consensus. There were also discussions around sharing best practice and looking at areas where the laws can be improved.

“There is no doubt that the SNP Government’s focus on increased policing has made a difference in disrupting criminal networks. There are now over 1,000 extra police officers in Scotland since the SNP came to power in 2007 and recorded crime is now at a 25 year low. The strategy of recruitment, retention and redeployment of police personnel has worked. Hopefully all parties now accept that and we can look forward to constructive engagement on how we tackle the problems our city faces.

“Asides from the figures, people are saying to me that the police presence is more visible than ever before and they feel reassured by that. That’s not to say there isn’t more work to be done - there clearly is. Not only do we need more police, we need to make sure that the police are supported in the line of duty.

“There were a number of useful suggestions today and I pay tribute to Cllr Billy McAlister for organising the summit. Our politicians need to work together to improve the legislative framework for tackling crime at all levels.

“Today was the start of a new dialogue. Another meeting is to be scheduled for the summer".

Note:

Those attending included:

• Kenny McAskil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice
  
• Representatives from SCDEA,
  
• Strathclyde Police Gangs Taskforce
  
• Professor Graeme Pearson, Institute of Serious and organised Crime at Strathclyde University.