Police ScotlandMore than 200 officers have left in a convoy to travel to Cornwall to police the G7 conference taking place next week.
More than 400 Police Scotland personnel will join around 5000 officers from forces across the UK in supporting Devon and Cornwall Police’s security operation.
The convoy departed Police Scotland’s headquarters at Tulliallan on Saturday morning, with further contingents due to leave over the coming days.
The cross-UK co-operation comes ahead of COP26 in Glasgow, which will see forces come to Scotland to help police the climate summit where more than 500 armed police officers will be equipped with body-worn video cameras – technology first deployed in Devon and Cornwall in 2006.
The G7 conference is being held across four locations in Cornwall; Carbis Bay, St Ives, Falmouth and Newquay.
There will be road closures, security check-points and designated protest areas during the conference from June 11 until June 13.
Police Scotland chief constable Iain Livingstone said: “I have authorised the deployment of over 400 Police Scotland officers and staff to support colleagues at Devon and Cornwall Police during the G7 Conference.
“I have consistently made clear the great benefits of close co-operation among policing across the UK.
“This has been evident over many years in Scotland, from the policing operation in relation to the Lockerbie bombing to supporting the Commonwealth Games, and will be seen again later this year during the COP26 summit.
“As the UK’s second largest service, it is vital we continue to demonstrate our support in this regard.
“I approved the deployment following careful consideration and it in no way affects Police Scotland’s ability to meet the policing requirements of our communities in Scotland.”
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