A focus on Banff and Buchan policing
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Reflecting on his first six months in the role inspector Andrew Sharp looks at his patch in and around Banff
He said: "Having been the Banff and Buchan West Policing Team inspector for six months now and I truly believe I have landed on my feet and have been stationed at one of the best beat regions within the north-east.
"I have been fortunate enough to have a varied and exciting career over the last 16 year serving communities in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.
"I have spent 11 of those years in specialist CID roles with the last six as a sergeant in guise of Public Protection roles.
"All of these roles have given me a wealth of investigative experience and partnership working experience.
"I have brought these skills with me to my new role to ensure the most vulnerable are protected and supported.
"I am committed to the communities I am now serving and also be focusing on anti-social behaviour, acquisitive crimes and the differing concerns each community has."
He continued: "My area of responsibility covers from just outside Cullen (Aberdeenshire side) to Gardenstown and down to the Bridge of Marnoch and all the area in between.
"I have inherited an excellent policing team, who are committed to the communities they serve and have a wealth of local knowledge and experience.
"You will, and may have already seen me, over the last few months.
"I’ve been about on foot in the towns and villages speaking to local business and people.
"I would actively welcome anyone to stop, say hello and raise any concerns or comments they wish about issues in their communities or their local officers.
"What is evident to me is that people are proud of where they come from and want to take care of each other.
"I have had my eyes opened with the amount of volunteers and support that was stood up by the community during lockdown to help others.
"I am keen to ensure that all members of our communities have access to a local officer and since taking up post have re-introduced community surgeries, which, to date, have been well received.
"These are advertised in advance on our North East Police Division Facebook page, along with flyers and posters being put up in the particular village."
He said: "Going forward into 2022, we will be running these in conjunction with partner agencies and we were recently joined by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Aberchirder.
"If you have any concerns or wish to report anything to the Police you can contact us for non-emergencies via 101 or you can email us by visiting the relevant area on our website.
"Or feel free to pop into the Banff Office (counter open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm) or come along to one of our community surgeries.
"If your enquiry is an emergency always dial 999.
"Alternatively you can contact Scottish CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or email crimestoppersscotland-uk.org."
