More than 100 people have already signed the Press and Journal’s newly launched petition to keep our police call centres local.
In less than 24 hours, dozens of concerned north and north-east residents had already joined politicians, community leaders and rescue workers in backing the campaign.
A damning report following the M9 crash scandal has cast fresh doubt over the future of the Aberdeen and Inverness control rooms.
Sign the petition here
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland has recommended keeping the centres open until there is “independent assurance” over call handling procedures.
But Justice Secretary Michael Matheson rejected the suggestion that any such review could actually reverse the slated closure, raising fears that it is merely a “box ticking exercise”.
One of those who signed the petition, Michelle Brady, said: “This is a vital service to the people of Grampian. How can calls being answered in Glasgow or Edinburgh provide a better service?
“This is simply a cost cutting measure to address the decreasing police budget and the ring fenced officer numbers.”
Craig Fraser added: “As an ex-police staff employee, I feel it is a necessity to have the control room and service centres local.
“If they are sent to a national centre the public is at risk as you will be speaking with someone who’s unaware of the area or the local circumstances, which is ultimately putting lives in danger.”
Politicians from across the political spectrum, including local MSPs Alex Johnstone, Lewis Macdonald and John Finnie have all backed the petition.
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson and Aberdeen City Council finance convener Willie Young have also lent their support to the campaign, as has Willie Anderson, leader of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
To sign the petition, visit at www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-our-call-centres-keep-999-local