Fife’s new divisional commander has pledged the region’s police officers and staff will continue to work with partners to do their “absolute utmost” to keep everyone safe.
Superintendent Derek McEwan said replacing the retiring chief superintendent Colin Gall was a high point in a 24-year career, which he started as a 16-year-old cadet, following in the footsteps of his father, brother and uncle.
He said it had been a time of significant change for the police and for society in general.
“As a young officer we policed the public space, we reacted and responded,” he said.
“In my career the values of policing have not changed in that we still need to police with the consent of our communities. However, we need to adapt as the world changes and I have seen a shift in our approach as we operate ever more in the private space, protecting people from violence and abuse in their homes and in cyber space.”
Mr McEwan said modern policing had a strong focus on early and effective intervention, identifying those who are at risk or who pose a risk.
And he said his recent experiences as a local area commander and latterly as superintendent responsible for operational policing in Fife, had underlined the impact of vulnerability, inequality and deprivation on both perpetrators and victims of crime.
“This is not new to me but in my, now rather long, career in policing I have had the opportunity to witness first-hand the inter-generational impact,” he said.
“It drives home an appreciation that the answers don’t lie in enforcement alone and that we, as a police division, present only part of the solution.”
Mr McEwan said he would continue his commitment to investing in effective partnerships, pointing to the success of schemes such as the Divisional Risk and Concern Hub, which ensures vulnerable people are better supported.
He hailed improvements in the way the region now handles missing people, with police working with partners to identify the specific needs of individuals and subsequently cutting the number of reports made.
Mr McEwan also highlighted efforts to replace Fife’s ageing public space CCTV system and moves to have the Scottish Court Service relocate some of its facilities into Kirkcaldy Police Station.
He said there was much to be proud of for the police service locally.
“The passion, dedication and commitment these officers and staff display to the communities of Fife is at a level I have not seen in my 24 years of policing,” he added.
“Yes, policing is a challenge, it always has been and always will be and quite rightly so.
“But I am proud of the service we deliver and it is my commitment that I will lead the division with enthusiasm and determination to support a strong, safe and secure Fife.”
