Budget threat to community policing work

The Audit Scotland “best value” report on Lothian and Borders Police – produced jointly with HM Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland – praised the force for its “highly regarded” approach to community policing, which is seen as helping to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.

The report said: “The force has maintained its commitment to community policing despite budgetary constraint elsewhere and this remains a high priority area for this force.”

However, it warned: “There remains a risk to this commitment across the force, with potential consequences to the success of community policing in Lothian and Borders, should either local authority or police budgets be reduced further.”