SCOTTISH CRIME AND DRUG
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

Digging for victory over the gangsters

Work begins on crime super campus

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today saw work begin on Scotland’s first ever crime super campus at Gartcosh.

Mr MacAskill visited the site with the Solicitor General Frank Mulholland and representatives of some of the organisations who will be based at Scotland’s crime fighting hub.  The first phase of the £82 million project is expected to be completed next February with the campus expected to be operational by 2012.

Inspecting the site with Andrew McAlpine of Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd – the construction company taking forward the first phase of work – Mr MacAskill said:

“The campus emerging here represents good news for all decent people and bad news for criminals.  By bringing together a whole range of agencies with a role in fighting crime under one roof we can help further tilt the balance in favour of the law-abiding majority.

“The more we are able to share information, the more potential connections we can make that could help shut down opportunities for organised crime.  The campus will also house a brand new forensic laboratory providing forensic scientists with the tools and facilities they need to provide the best support for Scottish policing. 

“I am delighted to see the building work underway and I am delighted to reaffirm the Scottish Government’s commitment to the project.”

Solicitor General Frank Mulholland said:

"It is vital that all those involved in the fight against serious and organised crime work together and share intelligence, experience and expertise, and the excellent facilities at the Scottish Crime Campus will enhance the ability of COPFS and law enforcement agencies to deliver justice for communities across Scotland.

"I am delighted that this project has now reached the construction stage and look forward to the opening of the completed campus at Gartcosh."

Deputy Chief Constable Gordon Meldrum, Director General, Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency said:

“Today marks a significant milestone as it brings us a step closer to realising the practical benefits that the crime campus will offer.

“The campus will be more than a new building with purpose-built facilities.  When complete, it will provide a unique shared space that will strengthen a collaborative approach to tackling serious organised crime in Scotland. 

“It will provide increased opportunities for the sharing of intelligence and resources, and will support the development of new joint working practices.  We already work collaboratively with a range of partners, and by bringing together on a single site those agencies in Scotland with a responsibility for tackling serious organised crime, our collective efforts will be more focused and stronger than ever.”

Andrew McAlpine said:

“Sir Robert McAlpine has a long and proud record of working with the people of Lanarkshire. We are delighted to be involved in the delivery of the Scottish Crime Campus, a project which will extend our already considerable commitment to the local community in and around the Glasgow area”.