Simon Shanks takes charge as Chief Inspector, outlining strategies to reduce crime, address staff welfare, and enhance community engagement.
Shanks has worked for the police twenty-two years. He worked in different areas, like the helicopter unit. He was also in mountain rescue. He spent months learning about West Dunbartonshire. Now, he understands his new role.
Shanks knows what issues to address locally. Dumbarton and Clydebank have challenges. Domestic abuse cases are very common there. It’s almost like a city, he noted. Antisocial behavior is another concern.
They want proactive community policing plans. He wants to support his stressed staff. Officers deal with hard situations often. Previously, their impact was not always appreciated. He wants to fix this situation now.
Shanks mentioned attacks on Bonfire Night. Officers suffered injuries during that event then. Two of six attacks in Scotland occurred in Clydebank. Staff welfare is a real worry for him.
Operation Moonbeam covers fireworks events in Scotland. Shanks described some awful behavior during those nights. He said nobody should expect to be hurt at work. This holds true, even for emergency workers.
They now encourage staff to report assaults. Previously, staff thought it was just part of the job. Reported staff assaults rose, and he wants to help those hurt. They also do preventative training at the station.
He hopes the rise in reports means greater trust. Lastly, Shanks stated a place needing greater focus now.
Whitecrook has antisocial behavior problems. They have an action plan to manage this well. Youths gather bins and set them on fire there. The community team patrols Whitecrook and the canal.
Shanks wants to avoid reactive policing that only arrests folks. They need help from the local community. It needs both prevention and enforcement working together.
