Alison MacDonald Tackles Crime as North East Edinburgh Commander 2026

Key Points

• Alison MacDonald has recently taken over from Chief Inspector Mairi Creanor as the Local Area Commander for the North East of Edinburgh.
• She aims to better understand the diverse communities in the area, along with crime trends and challenges, to maximise police support and service.
• MacDonald plans to engage with local elected representatives and councillors to recognise and consider community issues when identifying policing priorities.
• She brings over 18 years of police service experience, including roles in CID (Criminal Investigation Department) and PPU (Public Protection Unit), primarily in Edinburgh.
• Her exposure to specialist policing areas has developed her understanding of tools, tactics, and strategies to benefit her team and the community.
• This is a new role for MacDonald, which she is eager to undertake.

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 25, 2026 – Inspector Alison MacDonald has assumed the role of Local Area Commander for North East Edinburgh, succeeding Chief Inspector Mairi Creanor, with a commitment to refreshing approaches to tackling crime amid diverse community needs. She emphasised her intent to deepen understanding of local crime trends and challenges while engaging elected representatives to shape policing priorities. With 18 years of service, primarily in Edinburgh, MacDonald brings expertise from CID and PPU roles to enhance support for the area.

Who is the New Local Area Commander for North East Edinburgh?

Alison MacDonald, the newly appointed Local Area Commander, steps into the position previously held by Chief Inspector Mairi Creanor. As reported directly in her statement published by the Edinburgh Daily News, she stated:

“Having recently taken over from Chief Inspector Mairi Creanor as the Local Area Commander for the North East of Edinburgh I am keen to understand better the diverse communities based in the area as well as crime trends and challenges to maximise the support and service we provide.”

This transition marks a pivotal moment for policing in the region’s north-eastern localities, where community diversity presents unique demands on law enforcement.​

MacDonald’s extensive background equips her for this leadership role. She noted in the same statement:

“With over 18 years Police Service, I have worked in a variety of different roles including CID and PPU primarily in Edinburgh.”

Her experience spans investigative and protective duties, fostering a comprehensive grasp of policing dynamics. This foundation, she believes, will inform her new responsibilities effectively.

What are Her Plans for Engaging with the Community?

Community engagement forms a cornerstone of MacDonald’s strategy. She articulated a proactive approach:

“I hope to engage with local elected representatives and councillors to ensure that where possible, issues and concerns are recognised and considered when identifying priorities.”

This collaborative method aims to align police actions with grassroots perspectives, potentially yielding more responsive crime prevention measures.

Such engagement underscores a shift towards inclusive policing. By consulting elected officials, MacDonald seeks to bridge gaps between residents and officers, addressing concerns ranging from petty crime to broader safety issues prevalent in North East Edinburgh’s varied neighbourhoods. This approach could foster trust, vital in areas with diverse demographics.

Why Focus on Diverse Communities and Crime Trends?

North East Edinburgh encompasses a mosaic of communities, each with distinct needs. MacDonald highlighted this in her introductory remarks:

“I am keen to understand better the diverse communities based in the area as well as crime trends and challenges to maximise the support and service we provide.”

Understanding these elements is crucial for tailoring interventions that resonate locally, whether combating anti-social behaviour or serious offences.

Crime trends in the area, though not detailed in her initial statement, are implied as a priority for analysis. Her focus suggests an intent to deploy resources strategically, drawing from data-driven insights to mitigate risks. This fresh perspective could revitalise efforts stalled by familiarity in prior leadership.

How Does Her Experience Benefit the Role?

MacDonald’s 18 years in policing provide a robust toolkit. She explained:

“This exposure to various specialist areas of Policing has developed my understanding of tools, tactics and strategies which I hope will benefit me and those working with me.”

Roles in CID honed her investigative skills, while PPU work equipped her to handle vulnerability and protection cases, both transferable to area command.

Primarily based in Edinburgh, her tenure offers intimate knowledge of the city’s policing landscape. This continuity minimises disruption while introducing innovative tactics. As she put it: “This is a new role to me, and one which I am very much looking forward to undertaking.” Her enthusiasm signals a dynamic leadership style poised to invigorate the team.

What Challenges Might North East Edinburgh Face?

While MacDonald’s statement does not enumerate specific challenges, her emphasis on crime trends implies ongoing issues like urban crime hotspots common to such locales. Diverse communities may grapple with cultural sensitivities, youth-related offences, or property crime, necessitating nuanced strategies. Her pledge to analyse these will be key to devising targeted responses.

Transitioning commanders often inherit unresolved priorities. Chief Inspector Mairi Creanor’s tenure likely addressed immediate concerns, but MacDonald’s fresh lens could unearth overlooked patterns. Engagement with councillors will illuminate resident priorities, from traffic safety to night-time economy disturbances.

Who Was the Previous Commander and What Changes to Expect?

Chief Inspector Mairi Creanor preceded MacDonald, handing over a command with established protocols. No specific handover details emerged in the statement, but the seamless transition suggests continuity alongside innovation. MacDonald referenced her directly: “Having recently taken over from Chief Inspector Mairi Creanor,” indicating respect for prior efforts while signalling renewal.

Expectations include refined priorities through community input. Councillors and representatives will play pivotal roles, as MacDonald intends: “to ensure that where possible, issues and concerns are recognised and considered.” This participatory model may shift from top-down to collaborative policing, enhancing efficacy.

How Will She Maximise Police Support and Service?

Maximising support hinges on comprehension and adaptation. MacDonald aims to leverage her expertise:

“This exposure to various specialist areas of Policing has developed my understanding of tools, tactics and strategies.”

Integrating these into area operations could streamline responses, from patrols to investigations.

Service enhancement involves proactive measures. By prioritising resident concerns via elected channels, she ensures relevance. Her forward-looking attitude—”I am very much looking forward to undertaking”—bodes well for sustained momentum in serving North East Edinburgh’s residents.

What Role Do Councillors Play in Policing Priorities?

Local elected representatives are integral to MacDonald’s vision. She stated:

“I hope to engage with local elected representatives and councillors to ensure that where possible, issues and concerns are recognised and considered when identifying priorities.”

This partnership democratises priority-setting, aligning police focus with electoral mandates.

Councillors, attuned to ward-specific grievances, provide invaluable insights. Their involvement could expedite resolutions to persistent issues, fostering a united front against crime. This strategy exemplifies modern policing’s community-oriented ethos.

Why is CID and PPU Experience Relevant Here?

CID (Criminal Investigation Department) sharpens detection skills, vital for trend analysis. PPU (Public Protection Unit) addresses safeguarding, pertinent to vulnerable populations in diverse areas. MacDonald reflected:

“I have worked in a variety of different roles including CID and PPU primarily in Edinburgh.”

This blend equips her holistically. Tactics from these units can inform broader strategies, benefiting uniform officers and specialists alike. Her Edinburgh-centric career ensures contextual applicability.

When Did the Leadership Change Occur?

The handover is recent, as MacDonald noted:

“Having recently taken over from Chief Inspector Mairi Creanor.”

Published around February 25, 2026, the statement implies a transition within weeks or days prior, aligning with Police Scotland’s operational needs.​

Timeliness underscores urgency in addressing area demands. MacDonald’s immediate outreach plans signal no delay in implementation.

Broader Implications for Edinburgh Policing?

This appointment reflects Police Scotland’s emphasis on experienced leaders for locality commands. North East Edinburgh, with its urban-suburban mix, benefits from MacDonald’s profile. Her statement, originating from Edinburgh Daily News coverage, encapsulates a proactive stance amid city-wide pressures.

Neutral observers note potential for reduced crime through informed prioritisation. Community buy-in via representatives could model best practices elsewhere. As MacDonald embarks eagerly, residents anticipate tangible improvements.