Chief Superintendent David Robertson is a passionate, community-driven leader with over 21 years of dedicated service in Edinburgh’s local policing, now serving as the Divisional Commander for Police Scotland’s Edinburgh Division. With his career rooted entirely in local communities—on patrol, in response teams, and in neighbourhood policing—he brings deep firsthand insight into the issues that matter most to residents
Returning to lead his home city, David is committed to delivering visible, trusted, and highly effective policing—especially during high-demand periods like the Edinburgh Festival, Tattoo, Hogmanay celebrations, and political demonstrations . He advocates for creativity, efficiency, and close partnership work with local communities and agencies, ensuring policing adapts responsively to real-world needs .
Under his leadership, Edinburgh has seen major operations successfully managed—including the 2022 Fringe, the Queen’s funeral period, Bonfire Night disorder response (Operation Moonbeam), and the ongoing fight against organised crime, housebreaking, and retail offences. Notably, he spearheaded a focused campaign in April 2025 that resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of stolen vehicles, demonstrating his commitment to public safety and justice .
David champions community engagement, frequently urging public participation in “Your Police” surveys and promoting open dialogue across Edinburgh’s diverse neighbourhoods. He’s highly respected by his officers and the public alike for his integrity, resilience, and dedication to passionate service during both everyday policing and extraordinary events.
Inspiring, energetic, and rooted in local pride, Chief Superintendent Robertson embodies the essence of modern, community-centred policing—boldly safeguarding Edinburgh’s citizens and visitors while honouring the city’s proud cultural legacy.
Edinburgh Division is the area covered by Edinburgh City Council and is made up of the four area commands above.
The priorities for your area are decided by data from our strategic assessment which details threats and risks, and also from feedback from local authorities, partners, and residents in the Your Police survey.
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