Local parliamentarians, John Lamont MP and Rachael Hamilton MSP, recently met with the new Borders police chief.
Chief Inspector Vincent Fisher is the new Area Commander for the Scottish Borders, taking over from Stuart Reid who has been promoted to Detective Superintendent.
John and Rachael held a socially distanced meeting with CI Fisher to welcome him to his role and discuss local issues.
Top of the agenda was coronavirus restrictions and travel restrictions. There have been a lot of rumours about policing of these restrictions and the pair were glad to hear what was actually happening.
The challenges of policing anti-social behaviour during lockdown were also discussed.
John Lamont MP said:
“It was great to welcome the new Chief Inspector to his role. He started off his policing career in the Scottish Borders and knows our area well.
“There has been a lot of concern recently from local residents about policing of coronavirus restrictions and it was great to hear about the great work that officers are doing to keep us safe, whilst allowing people to go about their business.
“Despite lockdown, crime has sadly continued in the Borders over the past year. I know that there are still concerns about anti-social behaviour and drug crimes.
“The officers of the local Community Action Team, funded by Scottish Borders Council, have done some great work in challenging low-level crime in our area.
“I look forward to working with CI Fisher on more issues in 2021.”
Rachael Hamilton MSP added:
“Chief Inspector Fisher has worked in the Borders in various capacities over the years, so it is great to see him in his new role.
“We discussed a range of other local crime issues and I was reassured by the Chief Inspector that officers are keeping people safe, even during lockdown.
“Coronavirus restrictions are obviously at the forefront of everyone’s mind at the moment. It was very reassuring to hear the work that Borders officers are doing to ensure compliance and help keep cases to a minimum.
“I know that CI Fisher wants to take a proactive approach with the local community and I will happily raise anyone’s issue with the police locally if they think there is something that could be improved.”