A Community Liaison Officer (CLO) has a unique role as the point of contact between Tayside Police and the community. They are still frontline uniformed police officers whose main duty is to protect life, preserve order, prevent crime and detect offenders. But this role also affords them the opportunity to focus on community based issues and be proactive in dealing with them.

At different times they can be involved with any and all aspects of the community. A great deal of their work also involves working in partnership with agencies separate from the police - such as social work, café project, youth organisations, community wardens, and the various housing associations.

You may have seen your CLO out and about at some point. Walking is seen as the best way to get around in this role as it makes it easier to have direct contact with the general public - which is crucial to being a good community liaison officer.

CLO's are very involved in the Care and Repair Service. This provides basic home security and maintenance to vulnerable people - and it also gives CLOs the opportunity to provide some appropriate advice and reassurance at the same time.

This is only a brief look at some of the things a CLO may be involved in. If there is anything that can be done to improve the quality of life for the community of Arbroath - and it falls within their wide remit - they'll be there.