Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary was formed on 16 February 1948 out of another merger - this time of the constabularies of Dumfriesshire, Wigtownshire and the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright.
That makes it the oldest of the eight forces being amalgamated on 1 April this year.
In its lifetime, it has seen its officers take the lead in numerous major cases - but one towers above them all.
Some 270 people - from 21 different countries - died when Pan Am Flight 103 was blown up over Lockerbie just before Christmas in 1988.
It resulted in the largest criminal investigation ever undertaken in the UK, which was led by Dumfries and Galloway's Chief Constable of the time, John Boyd.
With the assistance of other forces, Libyan Abdelbaset al-Megrahi was eventually convicted of the bombing at a special court in the Netherlands.
He died last year after being released from jail on compassionate grounds, but the investigation into the atrocity remains "live".
Officers from Dumfries and Galloway visited Libya earlier this year to continue their inquiries.
[At the time of its amalgamation into Police Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Police had at least one major item of business outstanding, namely Justice for Megrahi’s formal complaint of criminal misconduct in the Lockerbie investigation and prosecution. Almost six months have passed since this complaint with supporting evidence was lodged with the police. As yet no member of Justice for Megrahi’s committee has been interviewed in connection with the complaint. Maybe Police Scotland will be somewhat more active.]
I just thought I would mention another thing that marks this date out in the saga of Lockerbie.
ReplyDeleteHad he lived, today would have been Abdelbaset al-Megrahi's 61st birthday.
MISSION LOCKERBIE, 2013 (google translation, german/english):
ReplyDeleteSince 14-15 November 1991, almost 23 years, the world will be lied to, that Mr. Abdelbaset Al Megrahi, ex official of Libya, is responsible for the "PanAm 103 bombing" over Lockerbie.
For his birthday, April 1 (1952 - 2012), we wish him and his family that the Miscarriage of Justice is finally confirmed by the Scottish Justiciary, that his name back gets the glory..
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in german language:.
Seit 14./15. November 1991, bald 23 Jahren wird die Welt angelogen, dass Mr. Abdelbaset Al Megrahi als ex offizieller von Libya verantwortlich ist für das "PanAm 103 bombing" über Lockerbie.
Zu seinem Geburtstag 1.April (1952- 2012) wünschen wir Ihm und seiner Familie, dass das "Miscarriage of Justice" endlich durch die Scottish Justiciary bestätigt wird, damit sein Name die Ehre zurückbekommt...
by Edwin and Mahnaz Bollier, MEBO Ltd Telecommunication Switzerland. URL: www.lockerbie.ch
The centralisation of police forces into Police Scotland means that JfM’s complaint of criminal misconduct in the Lockerbie case has now to be addressed at the highest level.
ReplyDeleteAnd presuming the Police are accountable to elected politicians and public, questions about their misconduct cannot be avoided!
A failure to respond will trigger other complaint procedures that will keep the complaint live.
Admittedly they could stonewall again, but this would bring the system into further disrepute!
MISSION LOCKERBIE, 2012 (google translation, german/english):
ReplyDeleteIn the Name of Allah, the most Compassionate, the most Merciful
Since 14-15. November 1991, almost 23 years, the world will be lied to, that Mr. Abdelbaset Al Megrahi, ex official of Libya, is responsible for the "PanAm 103 bombing" over Lockerbie.
For his birthday, April 1 (1952 - 2012), we wish him and his family that the Miscarriage of Justice is finally confirmed by the Scottish Justiciary, that his name back gets the glory..
+++
in german language:.
Seit 14./15. November 1991, bald 23 Jahren wird die Welt angelogen, dass Mr. Abdelbaset Al Megrahi als ex offizieller von Libya verantwortlich ist für das "PanAm 103 bombing" über Lockerbie.
Zu seinem Geburtstag 1.April (1952- 2012) wünschen wir Ihm und seiner Familie, dass das "Miscarriage of Justice" endlich durch die Scottish Justiciary bestätigt wird, damit sein Name die Ehre zurückbekommt...
by Edwin and Mahnaz Bollier, MEBO Ltd Telecommunication Switzerland. URL: www.lockerbie.ch