Safe societies need partnerships to work properly - David Robertson
For many, the Easter holidays are in full swing and that hopefully translates to an opportunity to relax, unwind and recharge. Unfortunately this time of year can also signal an uptick in antisocial behaviour, which can often have a substantial impact on our communities.
Escalation to disorder and violence can lead to serious consequences for all involved and cause significant harm.
From the policing perspective, the challenge is twofold. First, we must respond swiftly and effectively to keep people safe. That is our duty and one we take seriously. But the second challenge is more complex: how do we prevent these behaviours from taking root in the first place?
Enforcement alone cannot solve this. What we need is sustained partnerships between police, schools, social services, local authorities and crucially, communities themselves.
Yet partnership is not easy. It requires time, trust, and consistency. It requires us to listen to communities, consider issues from all perspectives and acknowledge that policing, while essential, is only one part of the solution.
We are in the process of planning a youth summit with a range of partners to be delivered before the summer holidays which will focus on engaging young people in the discussion, empowering them to be part of the solution.
In the North East of the city, where we have recently witnessed incidents involving the use of weapons, we have redoubled high-visibility patrols in relevant locations with officers undertaking stop and search activities to target those who would seek to cause harm within their community.
Working alongside Essential Edinburgh and partners we introduced ShopWatch to Edinburgh city centre, which sees retailers using radios to allow direct communication with other participating stores, City of Edinburgh Council CCTV operators and police.
ShopWatch is but one example of effective partnership collaboration to ensure a safe and secure city centre and I am delighted that we will soon be expanding our presence with the introduction of a City Centre Policing Unit.
In the North West, specialist Road Policing teams have been supporting local officers in the delivery of education and enforcement activities to highlight the risks associated with illegal electric bike and motorcycle use on our roads.
Violence and antisocial behaviour will not disappear overnight. But if we continue to build trust, strengthen partnerships, and invest in prevention, we can create communities where safety is not just the absence of harm but the presence of opportunity, belonging and a collective will to make things better.
People want visible policing and they deserve it. But they also want long-term change, and that requires investment in prevention – youth services, community spaces and early intervention programmes. These are not luxuries; they are essential components of public safety.
I am immensely proud of the work of the officers and staff of Edinburgh Division who show up every day, often in challenging circumstances, to protect the public. Their professionalism and resilience are extraordinary.
But I am equally aware we cannot simply ask them to absorb the consequences of wider societal issues. We must work together to address the root causes with the same determination we apply to enforcement.