Ross-shire's new top cop outlines pledge to keep area amongst safest in UK
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THE new man in charge of policing in Ross-shire this week pledged to do everything in his power to ensure the county remains "one of the safest areas to live, work and visit anywhere in the UK".
Chief Inspector Jamie Wilson made his remarks after being confirmed by Police Scotland as the new area commander for the North Highland region.
He now assumes responsibility for the Ross-shire, Sutherland and Caithness areas - one of the largest geographical command areas in the UK.
He said: "It is a privilege to be able to work in the north Highlands and I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve the region as area commander.
"This is a hugely diverse region and I have inherited a committed policing team with officers serving in towns and rural areas across the region. We are all committed to ensuring this remains one of the safest areas to live, work and visit anywhere in the UK.
"We work closely with a range of partners and also listen to our communities at every opportunity and make sure that their main concerns, such tackling road safety, substance misuse and antisocial behaviour, are our priorities too."
He has previous experience of the north Highlands, having most recently served as area inspector for Easter Ross and Sutherland since 2015.
He joined Grampian Police in 1998, where he spent the first few years serving the various diverse communities throughout the city.
During the next six years he fulfilled a variety of CID roles before promotion to sergeant as staff officer for Aberdeen Command Team.
After three years, he returned to an operational uniformed role and subsequently CID before promotion to Community Inspector.
As a uniformed constable he received a Chief Constable's Commendation and Royal Humane Society Award for bravery after entering the water in Aberdeen Harbour and saving the life of an unconscious man intent on taking his own life by driving his vehicle from the quayside.
He was also part of the project team that received a Scottish Policing Excellence Award following the success of the Body Worn Video pilot between Grampian / Strathclyde Police and Community Wardens.
Chief Inspector Wilson succeeds former area commander Superintendent Iain MacLelland, who has been appointed to a role on the Highland & Islands Division senior management team.
What do YOU think his top priority should be in Ross-shire? Email us at newsdesk@spp-group.comor drop us a line to the address on our letters page.
