A JOHNSTONE-BASED cop who has helped to revolutionise community policing in Renfrewshire is moving on to pastures new.

Inspector Cassie Glass is to take on a fresh challenge in Paisley, overseeing the Divisional Co-ordination Unit.

The move ends a four-year stint in a community policing role which has seen her become a well-known face in the likes of Johnstone and Renfrew.

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And Inspector Glass admits that, while she is excited about her new role, she will miss those she is leaving behind.

She told The Gazette: “I have to say that this has been the most rewarding job I have had in all my years in the force.

“It has been absolutely amazing and I know everyone will continue to work tirelessly for the area.

“I want to thank all of my team and the community for the support and assistance they have given to me. They have all been very supportive of what we are doing.”

Inspector Glass, who hails from England, first joined the then Tayside Police force in 1990 and spent her time based in Perth and Dundee.

She later moved to Glasgow as part of the Scottish Crime Squad, before joining Strathclyde Police in 2008.

Moves to Dumbarton, Clydebank, Helensburgh and Greenock followed before she made Johnstone her home.

“Community policing really is the nicest part of the job, as we are getting to support people and help the most vulnerable,” said Inspector Glass.

“As a farmer’s daughter and having been brought up in a rural community, I understand the different challenges being faced by those who live in such areas.

“That has really helped me in my work in Renfrewshire.”

During her time in the area, Inspector Glass helped to spearhead the creation of the Renfrewshire Rural Task Group.

Formed in 2015, the group works with the rural community to tackle issues that are unique to them.

She has also worked with Reaching out to Older Adults Renfrewshire (ROAR) and tackled fraudsters who target the elderly.

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Inspector Glass will be replaced by Jim Cast, who will leave his post in Paisley to move to Johnstone later this month.

She added: “My heart remains in the community here and it’s a good thing I am only moving to Paisley.

“I know Jim will do a stunning job in this role.”