Facts and Figures
Northern Constabulary is one of eight Police Forces which make up the Scottish Police Service. While the Scottish Forces operate within the same framework of law and co-operate extensively, each Force is a separate agency under the control of the Chief Constable and with a particular territorial responsibility.
Quick Facts
- Northern Constabulary serves a population of approximately 300,000
- The total number employed by the Force is approximately 1,400. This is made up of *800 Police officers, *200 Special Constables and *400 Support Staff
- Northern Constabulary covers 31,000 square kilometres of the Northern Highlands from the Outer Hebrides in the west, the islands of Orkney and Shetland to the north to Glencoe and Newtonmore in the south
- The Force area is of equal size to the country of Belgium.
*These numbers are rounded up/down to take into account fluctuations in staffing levels
The Force comprises eight geographically diverse Area Commands, each under the control of an Area Commander. These Area Commanders have direct responsibility for all personnel in their area and exercise day to day operational control through their management team. Police Stations are situated at various locations within each Area Command.
Inverness is the principal urban centre and with a population of approximately 76,000 it provides a major focus for the Force. Northern Constabulary headquarters is situated here and provides the strategic management and development of the Force. In addition, there are urban centres at Dingwall, Wick and Thurso in the north, Portree on the Isle of Skye, Stornoway in Western Isles, Kirkwall in Orkney, Lerwick in Shetland, Fort William in the south west, Nairn 14 miles east of Inverness and Aviemore in the south.
Northern Constabulary's operational style is firmly based on community Policing and is responsive to the needs of each community served.