Listen
Retaining experienced police officers
11/02/2008
The importance of retaining experienced police officers was highlighted today by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill on a visit to Leith.
Mr MacAskill met Constable Brian Jardine, who is staying on past retirement to act as a community police officer in Leith. Constable Jardine has served in the area for the best part of 30 years and is due to retire later this month. However, under the force's 30 plus scheme he will be able to continue serving the community in his role as a community police officer for Ocean Terminal shopping centre.
Mr MacAskill said:
"This Government is committed to delivering a more visible policing presence on our streets and in our communities.
"We are directly funding the recruitment of 1,000 officers. Hand in hand with this, we are determined to work with chief constables and police boards to improve the retention of officers and support the redeployment of officers to enhance operational policing.
"Constable Jardine is an example of the retention of more highly skilled and experienced officers that we want to see across the country. He has served the community in Leith for most of his 30 years of service and it is right that he is given the opportunity to continue to do so.
"Such officers have a wealth of experience and knowledge that you just cannot get in a training college. These officers have become part of the fabric of the communities they serve.
"We do not want to see such officers leave the service when they still have so much to offer."