Police Scotland performance in Aberdeenshire is reviewed
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An update on Police Scotland performance between April and September last year was brought before members of Aberdeenshire's Communities Committee last week.
The update was provided by Chief Superintendent Graeme Mackie, who spoke of key activities over the period, including support provided following the death of Her Majesty the Queen.
Ch Supt Mackie told the committee that staff levels have remained relatively consistent, with a large number of probationers and junior staff.
The force saw a decrease in complaints over the period, with an overall 67 per cent satisfaction rate from those who have used police services. Detection rates also remained relatively stable.
Assault figures were below average, as were the number of housebreakings, and there was also a downturn in vehicle crime.
With eight road fatalities over the period, the force has been looking at influencing driver behaviour, including an event for young drivers.
There is also a focus on the increasing number of older drivers.
Councillors expressed concern about a rise in sexual crime, with reference being made to the work to tackle violence against women and girls.
A workshop for councillors to explore the issue is being organised, involving Rape Crisis Grampian.
It was agreed that a report should be brought to a future meeting of the committee on the theme of mental health and wellbeing issued faced by police when dealing with the public. Police Scotland is also to arrange a visit for committee members to its call centre in Dundee.
Further Police Scotland updates will be brought before the committee on a quarterly basis.
It was also noted that a response to a consultation about Police Scotland’s Local Police Plans for 2023-2026 had been submitted.
