Eight new cops on the beat in West Dunbartonshire

Nov 28 2008 by Tina Kemp, Lennox Herald (main ed)

THE community of West Dunbartonshire now has its highest ever level of policing.

Eight additional police officers are now available to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Their presence is being funded with an investment of £200,000 from West Dunbartonshire Council through a unique initiative between the local authority and Strathclyde Police.

Council leader Iain Robertson said: “Already there has been a key change in policing policy, which has meant that every officer behind a desk must now spend at least one day a month on the beat.

“Communities have seen the positive impact of recent investments and I believe that this investment means that we gone one step further to increase direct beat officer numbers. These additional resources have been identified in a service level agreement between the council and Strathclyde Police.”

Deputy divisional commander, Superintendent Brian Lennox said the cash would enable the local police to further increase the visibility of officers in local communities.

He added: “The community policing teams in the six ward areas will be able to focus on finding solutions to the anti-social behaviour which affects people in their area.”

The council already contributes around £100,000 through the Anti-social Behaviour Fund. This money is used to deliver overtime and is targeted at specific trouble spots identified by the police.