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Scotland's Northern Constabulary has been setting out what it sees as its positive credentials when it comes to a commitment to language and culture in Scotland.
This letter (set out below) is addressed to DCC Norma Graham, Fife Constabulary from Northern Constabulary's Deputy Chief Constable, A G Sutherland, and is part of a Scotland wide response to queries from the Celtic League.
The League are in the processing of liaising with all Police Services in the Celtic countries in an attempt to establish how far they go to identify with the National language and culture of the communities they serve.
So far several forces in Wales, Scotland and the Isle of Man have responded:
"Mrs Norma Graham Deputy Chief Constable Secretary - Operational Policing BA Police Headquarters Detroit Road GLENROTHES KY6 2RJ
ACPOS/OP/G3 AGS/AC/DP ACPOS/GP
10th March 2008
Dear Mrs Graham
SCOTTISH GAELIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL COMMITMENT
I acknowledge receipt of your letter, dated 29th February 2008, with enclosures, relating to correspondence received from the Celtic League relating to the Scottish Police Service's commitment to Gaelic language and culture.
In terms of our response, it is my intention to cover the specific questions posed by the Celtic League in turn.
1. Why can't I read your official website in Scottish Gaelic?
Northern Constabulary's website is predominantly in English. However, provision is made within our site to guide users to our "publications" section which contains our Public Performance Reports from 2002/03 onwards currently to 2006/07. These documents are available in both English and Gaelic. Publications are available to the public in both languages in hard copy or via the website. The decision to promote our annual report in Gaelic is a long-standing commitment and with the support of the Northern Joint Police Board is likely to continue.
2. Why don't your police uniforms and equipment (eg vehicles) have the word "police" written in Scottish Gaelic alongside English?
All Scottish Police Forces use the generic police uniform cap badge of the Scottish Police Service containing the motto "semper vigilo", meaning constant vigilance. However, Northern Constabulary serving the Highlands and Islands of Scotland promotes Gaelic on all its marked police vehicles, literature and police signs the words "Dion is Cuidich" meaning "protect and serve".
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3. Would you consider adopting a distinct Scottish police badge, with the Scottish flag on it perhaps, as in the case of the new North Wales police badges?
Northern Constabulary would not consider changing its unique badge as the one currently used is an adaptation of a celtic design registered with the Lord Lyon King of Arms. This celtic design depicted the relationship between the four unitary local authorities of the Northern Joint Police Board, the then three Divisional Commands and the twelve operational Sub-Divisions. Whilst our structure has altered slightly, hence the adapted version of the logo, the coat of arms or badge formally remains. We would not wish to loose this celtic connection with our heritage.
4. Are your officers able to attend free classes in Scottish Gaelic as part of their job, should they so wish to do so?
Officers in Northern Constabulary are able to apply to attend further education and the Force is committed to continuous professional development of staff. Our policy of financial commitment to further study is dependent on the relevance of the course to the job requirements. That said, over the years a small number of officers have attended courses in Gaelic at Sabhol Mor Ostaig in Skye. Sabhol Mor Ostaig is the Gaelic College and part of the network of the proposed University of the Highlands and Islands.
5. Do you have a specific Gaelic language policy for your Force?
The Force does not have a Gaelic language policy per se. However, as explained earlier our Public Performance Report is always printed in Gaelic.
The current Chair of the Northern Joint Police Board, Mr Norman MacLeod, Councillor, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, is a fluent Gaelic speaker and proponent of Gaelic culture.
The most recent Gaelic MOD was held at An Gearasdan (Fort William) where the local police representative to the committee was Sergeant Donald Campbell, a native from the Isle of Barra and a fluent Gaelic speaker. During the MOD festival three Gaelic speaking officers were attached to duties to promote strong relationships between our Force and the Gaelic speaking communities. Every year when the MOD visits town within the Highlands and Islands, Northern Constabulary will assist the local and national committees with liaison officers who are Gaelic speakers. The Force identifies Gaelic as a language and collects information about officers who have Gaelic as a first or second language.
6. How could, in your opinion, the Central Scotland Police Force show more of a commitment to Scottish cultural and linguistic identify?
Northern Constabulary reflects the communities it serves and a large number of resident Gaelic speakers reside in our Force area. Notwithstanding this, the Highlands and Islands are committed to promoting Gaelic through Gaelic medium schools and through the introduction of Gaelic as a second language. It is not uncommon for new officers and those who have entered the education system from within, particularly Highland Council or Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, to have had an experience of Gaelic language.
How Central Scotland Police /…
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How Central Scotland Police could improve its cultural or linguistic identify is in some respects only a question they can answer. However, engaging with Bord na Gaidhig, Communn na Gaidhig may provide excellent external partners.
I trust this information will assist ACPOS in progressing its response to the Celtic League.
Yours sincerely
A G Sutherland Deputy Chief Constable"
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
14/03/08
The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues.
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