Members of the public encouraged to complete community consultation survey.
Police and partners are today sending out ten thousand community consultation surveys to households across the Highlands and Islands to gauge the priorities of the public prior to the introduction of the Police Service of Scotland early next year.
Previous responses to the bi-annual community consultation has focussed attention for Northern Constabulary, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Court Service to what the public feel are their priorities in order to enhance safety within the Highlands and Islands. Results from previous surveys have seen the creation of operations focussing on speeding, alcohol related crime and antisocial behaviour to directly target issues highlighted through the consultation process.
The community consultation, which usually takes place every two years, is being implemented six months earlier in order to provide results which will influence the priorities for the new Police Service of Scotland.
Chief Constable George Graham said: "We encourage everyone who receives the survey to complete it as there has never been a more important time in the Highlands and Islands to make your opinions known.
"As we move forward into the Police Service of Scotland next year we, and our partners, want to influence the focus for policing priorities in this area and continue to make this area one of the safest in the UK to live, work and visit."
Procurator Fiscal Andrew Laing said: "This consultation exercise is an important method for communities to tell us how they wish police, prosecutors and courts to respond to issues which arise in local areas. We are keen to listen to the public and shape our services in a way that meets public expectation."
For those who do not receive a copy of the community consultation survey there is still an opportunity to make their opinions known, as the survey can be found at http://www.researchresource.co.uk/consultingourcommunities.html
The selected sample results will be collated separately from those online, and will be also be used to influence future priorities for Police and partners.