Police / Police recruitment ‘really positive’ following career event
THE RECRUITMENT situation in the local police force is “really positive” following a recent career event, according to area commander Chris Sewell.
The chief inspector said Police Scotland holding the bespoke recruitment event in June has yielded welcome results.
Three regular recruits and one special constable have been identified off the back of the event – all local people too.
Sewell the Shetland recruitment event, said to be the first of its kind, was a “real coup” for the isles given that they are usually held on the mainland.
He told a meeting of Shetland’s community safety and resilience board on Wednesday said the potential new recruits could start training late this year or early next year.
More officers from south could also be seconded to Shetland for six-month stints.
Board chairman councillor Allison Duncan quipped that winter may not be the best time for secondees to come to Shetland – but Sewell said the Up Helly Aa fire festival, held in January, is something that encourages some people to head north despite the changeable weather.
Meanwhile the police chief said the force recently bought two new build homes in Sandwick for officers with have helped to attract two officers to work in Shetland.
Sewell also confirmed work is ongoing on the prospect of the coastguard co-locating with the police in the police office premises in Mid Yell.
There are also plans to renovate a one-bedroom police “hostel” facility there too, and the police house.
“That’s a considerable investment, but I think it highlights our investment to the northern isles – particularly with SaxaVord [Spaceport] and the work that’s going on up there.”
Sewell also told the board that an officer from the mainland has recently expressed an interest in a police vacancy in Mid Yell.
Meanwhile Duncan said he has noted a “considerable improvement” in anti-social behaviour in the Lerwick Lanes.
He welcomed extra police presence in the area.
Sewell said “not every kid in the lane is causing issues, there is a small minority” that the police need to engage with.
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