MORE community police officers will soon be on the beat locally after 12 new recruits started this week.
The dozen probationary constables joined the Dumfries and Galloway division on Monday.
And Chief superintendent John Cairns is delighted at the boost after promising councillors that they would see a return of community officers in the region.
He confirmed the new starters at last week’s Dumfries and Galloway Council’s police, fire and rescue sub-committee last week, stating: “They’ve completed their training at Tulliallan. In terms of budgeted establishment, I’m running slightly under at the moment.
“I’ve had conversations with force executive members in relation to recruitment, retention, and such like. That dialogue is ongoing.
“Members will be aware that there is a pause on recruitment at the moment, which is being looked at at the highest levels, given the financial position and the difficult decisions that Police Scotland and other agencies are having to make.
“In terms of numbers deployable, that can be influenced clearly by annual leave, court, absences, and officers who may be on some form of modified duties or recuperating from injury.”
Despite the new additions, the region is still running short on officers overall and Mr Cairns added: “I have a lot of people who are working really, really hard in delivering a high quality service.
“We welcome the 12 new probationers and I do continue to influence recruitment, and highlight the specific needs of a remote and rural division.”
