Police, Fire and Community Safety

On Monday evening there was a meeting of the City Council's Policy and Resources Committee (Police, Fire and Community Safety).  This committee is how the local elected members hold the new national police and fire service to account.  Although we do not have the power to instruct the police and fire service it is important that they listen to the views of local elected members.  Hopefully we will be reflecting the views of our constituents.

I asked a question about the percentage preparedness of firefighters.  The target for the '%of operational personnel who have retained currency of risk critical core skills' was 80% but in the last quarter only 64% was achieved.  I was told that this figure was improving and was also told that there had been no time when firefighter cover in Dundee was compromised. 

The Council made a very brief response to the consultation of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's Three Year Strategic Plan.  I think that this is a document that anyone with an interest in promoting community safety should have a look at. 

There were also reports from Police Scotland highlighting their work.  I was interested to see a break down of crimes in the West End ward and I will be keeping a close eye on this for the future to ensure that crime is adequately dealt with in the West End.

Community safety is important and the council must work with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland to deliver for all the people of Dundee.  It will be a test of the efficacy of the single police and fire service policy whether we are able to do this.