Superintendent Martin Birrell is the new commander of Fife Police's eastern division, which includes Cupar, St Andrews and Tayport.

He replaces Superintendent Bill Lawrie, who has moved to a new promoted position at Fife Police's Glenrothes headquarters.

With 28 years' police service, Supt Birrell has worked in each of Fife's three police divisions, most recently as temporary commander with western division, based in Dunfermline.

He said he looked forward to his time in eastern division and to working with partner groups such as Fife Council and NHS Fife.

He added: "Problems such as underage drinking, youth disorder and antisocial behaviour have no boundaries in Fife, and are as much an issue in Cupar or St Andrews as they are in Dunfermline or Lochgelly.

"I want us to focus on maximising all our resources – so our police are highly visible and highly accessible.

"Where I can, I want to use local officers to investigate local problems and deal with local crimes.

"But policing is all about flexibility and, if necessary, I will use officers from all areas."

The superintendent said he was determined to continue supporting local events that enhanced eastern Fife communities, especially if they helped divert young people away from anti-social behaviour.

He added: "Intelligence and analysis-led policing has a part to play in all levels of what we do.

"It is also about matching our activities to demand and about providing a reassuring presence.

"We will continue to offer a reassuring presence to local communities and to tackle anti-social behaviour and its symptoms."

Supt Birrell is married and has two daughters, both university students.
Temporary Chief Supt Bill Lawrie, eastern division's commander for three years, is now temporary head of operational support at headquarters.

He said: "Eastern was a great place to work and I enjoyed the support of local elected members, key individuals and the people of eastern Fife in addressing crime and community safety."

Chief Supt Lawrie is a police representative on the Fife Drug and Alcohol Action Group and chairs the Alcohol Partnership Pilot Group in Fife.