Police support officer in Jedburgh retires after almost 36 years

Public enquiry and support assistant Maria Smail recently called time on her working life.

Maria said : “Having left Borders College in 1976 at the age of 17 I was told about a job coming up in Jedburgh Police Station. After seven and a half years, I left to have a family and I returned in 1992.

"Throughout my service I have assisted various police departments including Road Traffic, Response, Community and Public Protection Unit.

"There have been many changes over the years as initially we used manual typewriters and all the incidents were recorded in a log book. We answered all the calls except for the 999 calls.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Lothian and Borders Police and latterly Police Scotland and take with me many memories and have made many lifelong friends within the organisation.”

Local Area Commander Chief Inspector Vinnie Fisher said : “Thirty-six years of public service is a tremendous achievement and I’d like to thank Maria for the help and support she has provided countless people during that considerable time.

"Her commitment to Jedburgh and its surrounding communities has been significant and we wish her all the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”