Rethink agreed after Police Scotland turned up at less than seven per cent of community council meetings

**Rethink Agreed After Police Scotland Attends Less Than Seven Percent of Community Council Meetings**

Police Scotland officers in Stirling attended just four out of 61 community council meetings held between April and June this year, prompting a reevaluation of their approach to engaging with local communities. Figures presented to Stirling Council’s public safety committee revealed that although police submitted reports to all 61 meetings, they only physically attended four. This low attendance rate has led to a proposed trial in the Forth and Endrick ward, where officers will report to community councils in clusters. If successful, this system may be implemented in other wards as well.

Stirling’s Police area commander, Chief Inspector Sarah McArthur, highlighted the need to balance resource allocation between attending meetings and being present in communities. The trial period aims to maximise officers’ time on the streets while still providing necessary engagement with community councils. Councillors have expressed support for the trial, acknowledging the challenges of officers attending every meeting given their other responsibilities.

Conservative councillor Martin Earl suggested tailoring the approach to urban and rural areas due to their unique characteristics. He emphasised the benefits of cluster reporting for gaining a wider perspective and addressing specific issues that may arise. While some councillors raised concerns about low police attendance at meetings, others recognised the potential benefits of reallocating resources to community engagement.

This initiative reflects a broader effort by Police Scotland to enhance their interactions with local communities and improve the efficiency of their operations. By exploring innovative strategies like cluster reporting, the police aim to maintain a strong presence in communities while fulfilling their duties effectively.

**Insights and Summary:**

The article discusses the challenges faced by Police Scotland in attending community council meetings in Stirling, prompting a reevaluation of their engagement strategies. The proposed trial of cluster reporting in the Forth and Endrick ward highlights the importance of adapting to local circumstances and improving resource efficiency. By striking a balance between attending meetings and engaging directly with communities, police officers aim to enhance their effectiveness in serving the public. This story underscores the significance of community policing and collaborative efforts to address issues at the local level.