MacAskill to meet centre police officer

Published on Monday 11 February 2008 09:24

JUSTICE Secretary Kenny MacAskill was due to visit Ocean Terminal today to meet the shopping centre's new community police officer.

Constable Brian Jardine, who has served in the Leith area for the best part of 30 years, 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.

Mr MacAskill said: "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."