ACPOS Annual Conference 2011

President of ACPOS
& Chief Constable
Kevin Smith

Chief Constable Kevin Smith, President of ACPOS said:

We are currently in the midst of the most significant debate on the future of policing in Scotland in a generation, and at a time of unprecedented financial challenges for the public sector. Rather ironically, it is also a historical point in time in that crime is at its lowest level in the modern era, our detection of crime and criminals has never been higher, we have reduced road deaths to an all time low and we enjoy levels of public confidence that others envy. We are protecting the public much better than we ever did in high risk areas such as child and adult protection, managing sex offenders and domestic violence. We are also tackling the threat from serious organised crime in a much more robust manner.

All of that hasn't happened by accident. Strong leadership, a professional approach and commitment to tackling the real concerns of people head on through an intelligence led, community based and partnership approach is, in my opinion, why we have achieved these results. 

The conference is an opportunity to celebrate these successes; an opportunity to hear and learn from colleagues from other organisations about the challenges they face; and an opportunity look ahead to some of the biggest operational challenges facing policing in Scotland and the wider UK. We will also have the opportunity to hear from the Cabinet Secretary for Justice about the Scottish Government's vision for policing and have a further opportunity to contribute to that debate.

ACPOS remains committed to delivering a high quality, excellent policing service for people and communities throughout Scotland and the annual conference provides an excellent opportunity to come together and discuss the issues that matter most.