ScotAsh puts community police in the driving seat
ScotAsh joined forces with Longannet Power Station and other partners associated with the station recently to co-sponsor a community police vehicle, which is now being used by police officers in West Fife.
Cathy Jamieson, the Scottish Executive's Justice Minister, officially handed over the Vauxhall Zafira to Fife Constabulary at the end of November.
The Minister praised the sponsors for their generosity and willingness to play a part in creating safer, stronger communities.
It's the first time the community officers have had a dedicated vehicle for carrying out their duties inthe 17 villages that make up the West Fife community.
Fife Councillor Willie Ferguson, who is also an employee at Longannet, coordinated the station's response after learning that the community police had to wait for operational police cars to become available before they could go out on their rounds.
The five partners agreed to pay for a three-year lease for the seven-seater people carrier that has been painted in a distinctive livery that highlights the communitybased role of the officers involved.
Community Sergeant Bob Wright, Oakley Police Station, said the new car had made a significant difference in their role, working with elderly and youth groups, carrying out crime prevention and responding to villagers' concerns.
He added: "It has also been a big benefit dealing with sensitive situations, such as victim support, by providing a softly, softly option when before we would have had to respond in a marked operational police car."
At the VIP launch, Cathy Jamieson said: "The generosity of the project partners in supplying this car to help with the policing of local villages is an excellent example of companies playing their part in creating strong, safer communities.
"The vehicle will be of enormous assistance to the community officers and help them deliver the sort of policing that people in the area want."
ScotAsh MD Peter Quinn said: "ScotAsh was delighted to be able to help this worthwhile venture."
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