Scotland is a fabulous country, full of communities where people look after each other and create safe, healthy environments.
Sadly that’s not always what we hear. We are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information, much of which is negative, scaremongering, inaccurate and anxiety inducing. Seldom do we communicate the good news stories. Why is that?
Do we have issues? Yes of course we do! For those living with challenges around poverty, addiction, domestic violence, anti-social behaviour…there is often a lethal absence of hope that things can improve. We must do much, much better for them. When I say we I Mean WE (that’s you, me, services, everyone). A whole community response is essential, it’s not just someone else’s problem to fix. We will never be completely safe until we are all safe.
After 25 years of front line Policing I could be cynical. I have seen human nature at its cruellest and most perplexing. Despite this, here’s the reality as I lived it
The overwhelming majority of people will never come to the attention of Police in their lifetimes.Youth Issues – I hate that term. It demonises the 99.9% of young people who are a credit to our communities. Let’s focus on the root causes of anti-social behaviour and why a tiny percentage of people cause such distress to others through their behaviour. We can never arrest our way out of the problem. For me the answer always lies in early and effective intervention and prevention. The overwhelming majority of people are kind, decent and just want to live their lives peacefully. Maybe WE, the silent majority, need to more effectively communicate all the good things that people are doing.
Oasis? If you’re a cynic you might have a view. I like to hope they have addressed their challenges, improved relationships and realise they are better together than apart. Whatever the case they have reconnected and made lot of people very happy. I think there’s a message for community in there somewhere!!
Have a great week
Keith
