During his visit to Dumfries and Galloway, the Justice Secretary will also be at the police HQ in Dumfries where he will meet police officers who have recently completed their training, officers who have completed their two year probation, officers who mentor new recruits to the force and special constables.
JUSTICE Secretary Kenny MacAskill was yesterday finding out more about the challenges of policing Stranraer harbour on a visit to the busy port town.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr MacAskill said: "D&G Constabulary face a particular challenge i
n having to police Scotland's busiest port. Every year almost two million passengers pass through the Stranraer port.
"Although the vast majority of these are law abiding citizens, the police force must always be alert to the threat from terrorists and the possible use of this busy sea route by organised criminals involved in drugs smuggling, the transportation of other illegal goods and the despicable practice of people smuggling.
"Through the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, the Scottish Government is working with the police, including the Dumfries and Galloway force, and the other law enforcement agencies to tackle the scourge of serious organised crime that threatens all our communities.
"People feel safer from crime if they see and experience effective frontline policing. Our communities are stronger with an accessible police presence to deal with all sorts of everyday emergencies.
"That is why the Scottish Government is funding 1,000 additional officers in Scotland's communities. We are committed not only to recruitment, but to the retention of valued, experienced officers and the redeployment of officers to enhance operational policing.
"These new police officers that I will be meeting reinforce the message that the Scottish Government is determined to see more police officers becoming part of the fabric of the communities they serve, building local knowledge, forging strong relationships with families and businesses, and helping support safe and strong communities for all."
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