POLICE Scotland has introduced a new officer verification process in light of the “horrendous” murder of Sarah Everard.
The force say they hope the immediate moves will “provide reassurance” to any member of the public who may be concerned about whether or not they may be speaking to a genuine officer working alone.
It comes following the murder of Sarah Everard by serving Met Police Officer Wayne Couzens, who falsely arrested her before raping and killing her and buring her body in woodland.
He was sentenced to life in prison this week.
According to a statement on the Police Scotland website, on duty officers operating on their own are now expected to proactively offer to carry out a verification check for anyone they come across who appears concerned for their safety.
A member of the public can also request that a verification check be done.
The officer’s personal radio will also be allowed to be put on loudspeaker and for an officer or member of police in a control room able to confirm the officer is who they say they are.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon slams police's commissioner's 'appalling' Sarah Everard case comments
The Control Room will then create an incident number which can be displayed on the officer’s mobile phone or radio to confirm the broadcast message details.
Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr said: “Our officers work, on a daily basis and across every community in Scotland, with absolute professionalism to protect the vulnerable and keep people safe in line with our core values of integrity, fairness and respect and a commitment to upholding human rights.
“Public confidence and consent is critical to our legitimacy, and our ability to keep our communities and citizens safe.
“The appalling circumstances of Sarah Everard's murder have deeply affected people and many are now understandably concerned about verifying an officer’s identity.
“Police Officers will, of course, continue to approach any member of the public who appears distressed or vulnerable, to offer support and assistance.
“However, although it is rare for a lone police officer to have to speak to a member of the public in Scotland, we absolutely recognise our responsibility to introduce an additional means of verification to provide further reassurance to anyone, in particular women who may feel vulnerable, and who might be concerned if they find themselves in this situation.
“The onus is on us, as a police service, to proactively offer this additional verification process to any member of the public who appears distressed, vulnerable or frightened.
“Police officers always carry photographic identification and will be happy to provide further reassurance about who they are and their reason for speaking with someone if requested.”
Although police officers normally work in pairs in Scotland and it is very rare for a lone police officer to approach a member of the public, there are occasions when this could happen.
In the even rarer situation where a lone off-duty officer has to become involved in an incident, the officer will call 999 and allow the member of the public to speak to the control room on the phone.
The move comes as London's Met Police were faced with criticism after suggesting anyone uncomfortable being approached by an officer should "wave down a bus or taxi" for help.
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