POLICING isn’t like Taggart anymore, admit officers, as they prepare for a very different role in the community of the future.

They have to cope with an ageing population, an increasing gap between rich and poor and more residents living with mental health issues. Across Scotland 84 people go missing every day, many because of dementia or other issues which all require intense resources.

One in four people have mental health issues, there are 158 domestic incidents every day, recorded sexual crimes are increasing, and cyber crime is rising.

Police Scotland are running their “2026” survey until May asking the public for views on their priorities, funding, organisation.

Sergeant Bart Simonis, part of the problem solving and community policing team, based in Drumchapel, said in his 17 years with the service, there has been a “massive” change, particularly in educating officers.

He said: “They are learning more about community needs and working more closely with agencies such as with mental health and the NHS. We need to work as part of a community as a whole.

“I think we’re all aware of the money that needs to be cut. We’re balancing where we need to be in 10 years time with money we have available to deal with society as it will be in 10 years.

“We need the public to tell us where the police should be headed - we’re part of their community. We need to make sure we are keeping up with change, if not one step ahead. It’s not Taggart anymore and we can’t police alone.”

Sgt Simonis said officers need to be experts in many fields, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals who need help but not necessarily arrest.

He added: “There’s no doubt information sharing and partnership working is better now than it’s ever been. We need to focus on what we are going to be like in 2026.”

Glasgow North West area commander, Chief Inspector Morag Stewart, said their five key areas were: prevention of crime and problems in the community; protection; communities; knowledge; and innovation.

She added: “None of us know what Scotland will look like in 2026 but it is important that as an organisation we try to look ahead and make changes to ensure that we maximise public safety and remain operationally and financially stable.”

The 2026 survey runs until May 7 at www.consult.scotland.police.uk/consultation/2026/.