Policing model on Bute concludes

An alternative policing model being piloted on Bute has now concluded.

The trial began on 17 May 2023 and sought to increase officer numbers at peak demand, deliver community policing consistent with demand, test an on-call police response service and improve officer wellbeing.

Evaluation is under way to identify any learning and inform future policing models for testing on the island.

Superintendent Neil MacDougall said: “Policing has changed significantly in the last decade. We are responding to an exponential rise in fraud and cyber-related crime while helping more people in mental health distress than ever before.

“We explored an alternative policing model on Bute to test our response to the community’s needs and improve the wellbeing of officers on the island. We are now conducting a full evaluation and early indications are we have captured the appropriate amount of information required to assess the model against demand.

“It is important that policing meets the needs of every community and the findings of this trial will be used to inform any future models which might be introduced on the island.”

“The wellbeing of officers is always significant to any policing model and I would like to thank everyone involved in this pilot for their commitment and forbearance, and for the outstanding work they do day in and day out across Bute.”

Officers will return to the island’s pre-pilot policing model on 31 July.