The importance of a local police response

We can welcome the agreements between COSLA, Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority to work together on four key priority areas including local scrutiny and accountability to strengthen collaboration between Local Government and policing.

From my experience as a local councillor, I am aware of how important our local police officers are. Recently, when I found a man in need of medical attention on the street, it was the local police response that ensured he was taken to A&E.

The roll out of school streets to encourage walking and cycling is not possible without the support of police officers carrying out enforcement.

The partnership between police officers and trading standards officers to shut out scammers is hugely welcomed.

However, we need to ensure every citizen can easily access an efficient complaints procedure. We can support Dame Elish Angiolini’s proposal for an improved police complaints system, and welcome a much enhanced role in complaints for the independent Police Investigations and Review Commissioner. 

We can support the work of the Greater Glasgow Police Team on dealing with sexism and misogyny within all levels of policing  There is vital work needed to build the confidence of women and girls in local policing across Glasgow.

Through support for COSLA and the Safe Glasgow partnership, there can be a review of local accountability and scrutiny of policing. This work can consider and support the facilitation of people’s rights to protest.