Alastair Majury on Routinely Armed Police in Dunblane

Armed Police in Dunblane To Show Consideration

After reports of two armed police officers purchasing refreshments in Dunblane’s Marks and Spencers Simply Food store. A number of complaints and concerns were raised by the public about this, given that there are sensitivities in the Cathedral city due to the tragedy that occurred there in 1996.

Dunblane’s Community Council raised the matter with the police, and they received a reply from the police, reiterating the rules and providing reassurance that appropriate regulations had been followed by these armed response officers. However, given the remaining sensitivities about residents seeing armed police when not responding to an incident, local Dunblane and Bridge of Allan Councillor Alastair Majury pursued the issue with Chief Inspector Gill Marshall, requesting that armed police officers don’t purchase refreshments in Dunblane whilst armed.

The Chief Inspector then discussed the sensitivities of the matter with the Area Commander for Armed Policing and shared with him the concerns raised. Confirming that Dunblane will remain on the default patrol matrix, which helps to ensure an appropriate, timely response to relevant incidents The Chief Inspector also suggested that all officers are mindful of community feeling and that where possible and practical they consider alternative locations for purchasing refreshments etc to minimise the potential for upset.

Local resident and Dunblane and Bridge of Allan Councillor Alastair Majury said:

“It is understandable that residents were upset to see armed police at our local M&S store. I am grateful for Chief Inspector Gill Marshall raised the matter with the appropriate commander and I am hopeful that this will result in any further upset caused by armed officers purchasing refreshments not happening again.”