Publication Scheme
Section 2
About Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary
With the passage of time it became clear that policing the three south-western counties of Scotland required greater cohesion than could be achieved by seven independently run forces. The consequent amalgamations left only the three county forces in place and finally, on 16 February 1948, the Dumfriesshire, Stewartry of Kirkcudbright and Wigtownshire Constabularies amalgamated to form the present force, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary.
Covering some 2,649 square miles in the south-west of Scotland, the force is divided into two operational policing divisions. While Galloway Division in the west has the larger land area, Dumfries Division has the greater population and proportionally more of our staff. Some 148,000 people live in the area with the largest towns being Dumfries, home to 31,600 people, Stranraer with about 10,800 and Annan with around 8,300.
Stretching the length of the force from the border with Cumbria Constabulary to our sea border with the Police Service of Northern Ireland in the west, the 95 miles of the A75, Euroroute 18, provide a conduit between Ireland and Continental Europe through the busy ferry ports of Stranraer and Cairnryan.
In the east, the A74(M) is the main arterial route between Scotland and England, running some 35 miles between our borders with Strathclyde Police in the north and Cumbria Constabulary to the south. Further to the east the force is bordered by Lothian and Borders Police.
While there have been many changes over the years, traditional agricultural and forestry industries are still substantial employers in this rural area. An outstanding landscape and many recreational facilities continue to attract large numbers of visitors, while the 218 miles of coastline offer work and leisure opportunities.
This quiet and rural area is not immune to the less desirable aspects of contemporary society. The ever growing misuse of drugs and related crime continues to give rise to concern in our communities. The force response is to act positively, using intelligence-led initiatives to prosecute those involved.
These many different demands, coupled with the geography of the area, create their own challenges for the force in providing an effective and reliable police service.
Our quarterly performance reports provide statistics on crime rates, crime detections as well as our own staffing levels.
Legislative Framework and Powers
Police forces in Scotland are the subject of many pieces of legislation however the principal Act governing the establishment and maintenance of a police force is the Police (Scotland) Act 1967. In terms of the Act, governance of the force is provided on a tri-partite basis involving the Chief Constable, the Police Board and the Scottish Government. The conditions of service and duties of police officers are principally contained in the Police (Scotland) Regulations 2004. Police officers are subject to statutory procedures relating to allegations of misconduct contained in the Police (Conduct) (Scotland) Regulations 1996 and the Police (Conduct) (Senior Officer) (Scotland) Regulations 1996.
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