Transfer of police calls to Inverness will lead to ‘more efficient service’

Telephone calls to Shetland police will be answered in Inverness from tomorrow.

The new system should lead to a more efficient service, according to Shetland’s top policeman chief inspector Angus MacInnes.

He said people should have no worries about the new arrangements as Inverness staff would be kept informed about the area. He said: “They will know the area and we’ll make sure they’re aware of any local issues.”

Geography, place names and dialect would not pose a problem, he said, and pointed out that 999 calls are answered in Inverness anyway.

The calls should be answered within the national target times and will be directed to the nearest open police station to the caller or to a specific police officer.

According to Mr MacInnes the new system should lead to a quicker response. He said: “It will be much better than the current service. Responses can be tasked more easily and it will free up front office staff.”

People should still dial the present number. Another development will see the setting up of a public assistance desk at Inverness where all routine queries, such as about traffic legislation, can be answered.