The Loch Lomond Special Constables
Rangers in a national park will be a force to be reckoned with after four of them were sworn in as Special Constables.
The four, from the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs authority, have undergone training to become volunteer police officers in addition to their roles as rangers. The move is part of the authority’s Respect the Park programme to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in the area.
The national park believes the appointment is a first for a UK national park, and follows a three-week training course for the four rangers, which will enable them to take on extra powers.
They were sworn in at the headquarters of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority in Balloch this week, as members of the Central Scotland Police.
The Loch Lomond park has been blighted by anti-social behaviour which officials say is damaging its reputation and spoiling the enjoyment of visitors to the area.
Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Environment, was at the ceremony. She said: “This is a superb achievement for the rangers involved, Central Scotland Police and the National Park Authority.
“By working together you have brought a new approach to improving the experience of the park for all. In fostering safer neighbourhoods, helping to tackle anti-social behaviour, and encouraging people to enjoy the park responsibly, this is a valuable contribution to the aim of promoting effective social development. Many congratulations.”
Central Scotland Police Deputy Chief Constable Iain Macleod said: “This is an excellent example of organisations and individuals uniting to tackle a common aim.
“There are great benefits to both the police, the national park authority, as well as to communities themselves. As a force we are committed to community policing, listening and responding to the public. Our new Special Constables, working with community policing teams, have a big role to play.”
Fiona Logan, chief executive of the authority, said: “By working in partnership with Central Scotland Police our rangers form a critical part of our larger Respect the Park programme which aims to deter anti-social behaviour and promote the responsible enjoyment of the great facilities, paths, nature and landscapes the national park has to offer”
The authority has 40 permanent rangers and some seasonal staff. They deal with visitors and residents, advising on matters such as the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, loch bylaws, upholding access rights, surveying flora and fauna and dealing with problems caused by anti-social behaviour.
Special Constables are part-time volunteer police officers with all the powers of the regular police. They are required to work at least 16 hours each month with the police.
