Sergeant claims police have been ‘too nicey nicey’ dealing with public disorder

Police have been too “nicey nicey” in dealing with threatening or abusive behaviour, an officer has said.

Sergeant Alan Patrick said he struggled to understand the force’s former approach to public disorder in Shetland.

Reporting to Lerwick Community Council last night (Tuesday), Sgt Patrick assured members he was focussed on cracking down on that type of crime.

“We have been too nicey nicey here,” he said.

“It starts with taking alcohol off people when they are down at Harrison Square.

“Whenever I’m on duty, rest assured tickets will get handed out.

“I don’t understand the thinking we used to have up here which was to just take [the alcohol] off them.

“No, it’s an offence, a £40 fine, get the book.

“The only way people are going to understand you can’t drink in the street and then fight in the street and then throw the bottles about is to make sure they are punished for it.

“Hopefully that message is getting across now.”