Single force Lothians chief backs community policing

THE new divisional commander for the Lothians and Scottish Borders division has pledged her commitment to community policing ahead of the launch of the single national force.

Chief Superintendent Jeanette McDiarmid will oversee all policing issues for the area with support from local ­commanders.

She highlighted a community-based operation in West Lothian as an example of this approach.

Following concerns about young people carrying knives in Whitburn, two officers devised a project to educate youths on the risks of knife crime.

Chief Supt McDiarmid said: “This is a very exciting time for Scottish policing with a number of changes to the way we conduct our business due to take place.

“However, the public can rest assured that despite these changes, community policing remains at the heart of our ­priorities.”