Operation Respect success rolls out across Highland
Members of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee have welcomed the impact that a community safety partnership project “Operation Respect” had this winter in helping to make the streets of Inverness city centre a safer place to visit.
Provost of Inverness and Area, Cllr Helen Carmichael said: “Highland Council with Inverness Common Good Funding was fully supportive of Operation Respect in its ninth year of activity. I welcome the report by Police Scotland which reinforces that Operation Respect partners continue to keep Inverness city centre safe, attractive and welcoming with a vibrant and prospering economy for all to enjoy.”
She added: “I am also delighted that the Operation Respect model is now being implemented by Police Scotland on a strategic and tactical level throughout Highland region.”
The report presented to Members by Chief Inspector Colin Gough, Area Commander for Inverness demonstrated that over the festive season Operation Respect actively increased public reassurance and enhanced community safety within Inverness city centre through enhanced police visibility and an improved proactive approach by Officers in dealing with anti-social behaviour, disturbance, shoplifting, drugs and general criminality.
The introduction of an enhanced dedicated city centre Police Team from 4 to 9 Officers at an office in Inverness Town House, provided by Highland Council has enabled Police to tackle issues of concern in a consistent manner, with improved support, and daily contact with the Inverness BID Task Team.
During Operation Respect communications between city centre officers, the Inverness BID Task Team and Taxi Marshals, Street Pastors, and the British Red Cross (Safe Zone) provided an enhanced environment for the public throughout the festive period.
Operation Respect is an initiative which has been developed by members of the
Inverness Community Safety Partnership to promote a safe and clean city. The main partners are: Police Scotland, Highland Council, NHS Highland, Inverness Business Improvement District (BID), British Red Cross / Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), Crimestoppers, Inverness Street Pastors and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.