Perth and Kinross Council is strengthening its response to antisocial behaviour and visitor pressures with an enhanced Community Support and Enforcement Team, supported by additional investment and a more flexible, intelligence-led approach.
The funding, agreed earlier this year, will increase visibility in communities and allow officers to be deployed quickly to areas experiencing the greatest pressures.
The investment supports work to address year-round community safety concerns as well as the specific challenges that can arise during busy visitor periods.
It means that additional uniformed Visitor Rangers will be deployed over the summer alongside the core Community Support and Enforcement Team. Together the extra staff will ensure there is a visible presence in hotspot locations which can respond quickly to emerging issues.
Officers will focus on early intervention, engagement and prevention to help stop issues escalating, supporting enforcement action where necessary. Hotspot areas will be identified using local intelligence and community feedback, allowing resources to be flexibly deployed across both urban and rural areas.
Councillor Eric Drysdale, Leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: "Our communities deserve to feel safe, supported and respected all year round. This enhanced approach strengthens our ability to respond to the issues that matter most, whether that is antisocial behaviour in our towns and city centre or pressures in popular visitor areas.
"Tourism brings real benefits, but we also recognise the impact it can have in some locations. Having a flexible, visible team that can respond quickly to hotspot areas means we can manage those pressures effectively and minimise disruption for residents.
"This investment recognises that antisocial and inconsiderate behaviour is not just seasonal. By strengthening our teams and working with partners, we are taking a balanced approach - supporting communities, protecting where people live and will support the ongoing activity through the Perth City Centre Improvement Taskforce to ensure that Perth and Kinross remains welcoming to residents, businesses and visitors alike."
The Community Support and Enforcement Team will continue to work in close partnership with other public services, including Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, to provide the most appropriate flexible response in local areas.
