The new police commander for Perth and Kinross has said Scotland has one of the best forces in the world.
Chief Inspector Mike Whitford was appointed in the role on March 1 and said the next few years will be both a considerable challenge for Police Scotland and “a fantastic opportunity” to redraw the map of policing in the country.
Mr Whitford who joined Tayside Police in 1994, aged 33 said it had been difficult for him to “appreciate” what it was like to be an officer until he wore the uniform for the first time.
He outlined his priorities for commanding the police team in Perth and Kinross.
“Travelling in a number of countries around the world, Scotland has always stood out, for me, as one of the most beautiful places, with Perthshire at the heart of it,” he said.
“However, that beauty brings its own challenges for policing whether it is the isolation of communities, significant snow or flooding events.
“Having witnessed policing elsewhere, I would say we in Scotland have one of the best services in the world and I suspect many other travellers would agree with me.
“What is clear is that no matter what view people have of the police, we all know good policing when we see it.”
Mr Whitford said that he wants the police to help deal with anything that might “pose a threat of harm” to people and he stressed that policing in Perth and Kinross will be the same under the new single force
“Policing in Perth and Kinross has always focused on local officers, working within communities with local knowledge of the area and the people they serve,” he added.
“With Police Scotland, this will not change. Whilst the badge of Tayside Police has been replaced, the officers are the same, working together to keep Perth and Kinross a safe place to work and live.
“Local policing has always been supported by specialist officers and equipment, to help deal with serious crime and significant incidents and events.
“The move to Police Scotland brings many benefits, including immediate access to even more specialist officers and equipment and a level of service that will be consistent across Scotland, regardless of where people live.”
Mr Whitford added: “Having personally heard Stephen House (Chief Constable of Police Scotland) voice his commitment to focusing on reducing violence and harm and protecting the vulnerable, I can give my commitment to hold the organisation to that promise and reflect those standards we all want in Perth and Kinross, no matter what badge is on our uniform.”