New top cop in Barrhead
Published 9 Jan 2013 10:30
ONE of Barrhead's top cops is taking over the hot seat as area commander after three years as a community inspector.
Inspector Campbell Crawford will become the area commander as well as chief inspector in his new post working from the Barrhead and Giffnock Police offices.
He is taking over from outgoing Chief Inspector Alan Murray, who has been transferred to a new post in Govan to help with preparations for the Commonwealth Games.
Chief Inspector Crawford said: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity of becoming Area Commander for East Renfrewshire. I have 24 years police service under my belt, the last three of which has been as the community police inspector for Barrhead and the surrounding areas of East Renfrewshire.
"In the last 12 months I have also been deputy Area Commander, under Chief Inspector Murray, and I believe this has given me a good insight into what is affecting the area - I have a good knowledge of the needs and issues of the community in Barrhead."
Chief Inspector Crawford takes over after one of the quietest years on record for police in East Renfrwshire, with crime rates down across the board.
Serious crime in particular has seen a reduction, with serious assaults dropping by 75 per cent over the past year.
The recent winter initiative saw a crack team of officers targeting Barrhead's commercial areas in an effort to slash shoplifting and thefts over the festive period.
Police are now hoping to implement a community driven approach to policing in the area, with public drop-in sessions and high ranking community officers such as sergeants and inspectors attending community council meetings.
Chief Inspector Crawford said: "I believe in working with the community, and that it is vital to achieving a positive and safe place in which to live and work.
"The people within the community know what the issues within their area are, and we are always looking to progress our ties within the community."
Much of the operating capacity of police in East Renfrewshire is delegated to Govan Police station, where cells, "engine room" and administrative staff are located.
However, East Renfrewshire's own management team is continuing to grow.
"I will be joined in the local management team by Inspector Alan Dickson who will become the new Community Police Inspector and Sergeant Susan Gillon who will continue as the local authority liaison officer," said Chief Inspector Crawford.
"I would like to thank my predecessor, Chief Inspector Alan Murray, for the work he undertook and I will be looking to continue in the same direction, in particular regarding reducing crime in Barrhead and reducing demand for the police in order that we can give a more effective and efficient service.
"We currently have an excellent relationship with our partner agencies, and in particular the working relationship we have with East Renfrewshire Council who we work with on a number of issues within the community. I hope to enhance this relationship in my time as area commander."
This article appeared in Barrhead News 09 Jan 13
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