DIVISIONAL commander Gill Imery has dismissed speculation that a third of her force are ready to quit.

The Chief Superintendent was responding to a recent staff survey which highlighted growing discontentment within Police Scotland.

One third of the 11,796 members of staff who responded said they hoped to leave within three years.

But Chief Inspector Imery has reassured Borderers that the local constabulary won't suffer a sudden exodus.

She said: "A lot of the factors for wanting to leave are outwith the control of Police Scotland - things like a change to pensions.

"I am sure that a lot of other large organisations would get similar results if they surveyed staff."

Over the past few weeks the Divisional Commander has toured around Borders stations to brief shifts about the survey's findings.

Chief Inspector Imery added: "I have not been inundated with people wanting to leave in the Borders - there is a strong commitment from our officers.

"They take pride in what they do."

All 23,438 police officers, staff and special constables were surveyed and 11,796 (50.4 per cent) responded.

Overall, 73 per cent of respondents thought the people in their teams work well together, 83 per cent said they are treated with respect by their colleagues at work, and 78 per cent enjoyed strong, positive relationships with their peers.