'Forces must target need not public demand' – police chief

ONE OF Scotland's top police officers has warned forces must target resources where they are needed, and not necessarily where the public wants.

Patrick Shearer, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, told a BBC interview : "We have to listen and focus on where the need is, and not necessarily the demand.

"We get a great demand for our services at times and we have to ensure we are focusing on areas where we can be effective."

Mr Shearer, chief constable of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, later said public spending cuts could be "working their way through" to the police force. In these circumstances, it was "much more important that we are continuing that line to target, and make the best use of our resources".

"That's the best way to protect the broad public," he added.