Mark Leonard appointed new community policing sergeant in Hamilton

Sep 9 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A NEW community policing sergeant has been announced in the Hamilton area.

Sergeant Mark Leonard, the former Divisional Licensing Sergeant, will cover the Meikle Earnock, Eddlewood, Fairhill and Silvertonhill areas in the town.

The father-of-two joins sergeants Jamie Campbell and Louise Aitchison within Hamilton Community Policing Team, led by Inspector Gillian Scott.

The former Holy Cross High School pupil has worked in a variety of policing roles.

He and is looking forward to taking up his new post.

He said: “I am delighted to be based within Hamilton. I have previously worked in both North and South Lanarkshire as well as Aberdeenshire.

“I am looking forward to delivering a quality of service to impact on the issues identified as priorities within the community where I grew up.

“It is my intention to work with our partners in South Lanarkshire Council, Lanarkshire ADP (Alcohol and Drug Partnership) and with local licence holders and I hope my previous experiences as the Divisional Licensing Sergeant will compliment the activities already being undertaken within Hamilton to address local issues.”

Sergeant Leonard (38), who lives in Motherwell, insisted community officers wil target alcohol-related disorder and work closely with liccensed premises.

He added: “The vast majority of licence holders in Hamilton are responsible and comply with the licensing legislation and local officers will target adults who buy alcohol for young people.

“So called ‘agent sales’ will continue to be targeted as well as actively gathering community intelligence to support test purchase operations.”

Inspector Gillian Scott said she was delighted to welcome Sergeant Leonard to the team.

“I would urge any resident who is experiencing any type of anti-social behaviour to get in touch with us,” she said

Anyone wishing to contact their community policing teams should contact Hamilton Police Office on 01698 483300.