Scottish police ask pharmacists to report all incidents of workplace abuse

Police Scotland have asked pharmacy staff members that all incidents of violence at their respective workplace should be reported to the police.

Scottish police in a message of support to an ongoing anti-violence campaign launched by the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) said, they would “encourage any member of pharmacy staff, who has been a victim of abusive or threatening behaviour, to report this to police.”

In a message of support Chief Superintendent David Duncan said: “These are challenging times and we are committed to ensuring the safety of pharmacy staff. Police Scotland will not tolerate any kind of abusive or threatening behaviour against pharmacy workers and any reports of such behaviour, will be addressed in the most robust manner possible.

“People working in this sector are providing a crucial service to their communities during these difficult times and we would urge members of the public to be patient and respectful when attending their local pharmacy.”

The campaign calls for zero tolerance against violence in all pharmacies.

PDA campaign coordinator Helen Lewis said: “We welcome the support of the Scottish national police force. PDA members appreciate the support from law enforcement across all four nations and combined with the commitments we have secured from employers in recent months our campaign is on course to make a step change in how acts of violence from patients or customers are treated.

“We encourage any member of pharmacy staff who has been a victim of abusive or threatening behaviour, to report this to police”.