This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister backs police on G8
18/04/2005
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson today gave her support
to Scotland's police officers in their preparations for the
G8 Summit at Gleneagles.
Speaking ahead of her speech to the annual conference of
the Scottish Police Federation, she promised all those
coming to Scotland - from world leaders to potential
protesters - that they would meet officers who are
'flexible and sensitive to the needs of the law-abiding
many - as well as firm and decisive with the law-breaking
few'.
Ms Jamieson said:
"The G8 summit will represent an opportunity to showcase
everything that is good about our country, including our
first-class police service.
"The pressures on Scotland's police will be immense, and
we know that some of those who are coming to Scotland may
be intent on causing harm. But nobody should be under any
illusions - the Scottish Police Service is not a soft touch
and anybody who steps out of line will be made to face the
consequences.
"Others will simply come to protest peacefully about
causes they feel deeply about. I believe we have police
officers - indeed a policing culture - that can deal
effectively with all the challenges ahead.
"A police force that is drawn from - and reflective of -
the best small country in the world. Modern and
professional. Fair-minded and tolerant. Flexible and
sensitive to the needs of the law-abiding many - as well as
firm and decisive with the law-breaking few.
"I hope and believe that those who come to our country
this summer - world leaders, visiting media, or legitimate
protestors - will return to their own country with a real
sense of the kind of country we are developing here. A
country worth visiting, and a country worthy of respect. I
believe Scotland's police will make a major contribution to
building that reputation - and they will have the full
backing of the Government in doing so."