Councillors welcome new top cop despite criticisms of selection process
Stirling councillors have welcomed Forth Valley’s new top cop, despite having accused his bosses of ignoring proper procedure when appointing him.
Chief Superintendent Alan Gibson attended his first meeting of Stirling Council’s public safety committee last Thursday and was welcomed by members.
Police Scotland were criticised by Stirling councillors in December over Chief Superintendent Alan Gibson’s appointment who were unhappy that they appeared not to have been consulted before CS Gibson’s appointment was made.
Police Scotland is obliged in terms of section 44 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 to consult the local authority before designating an officer to carry out the local police commander role.
At last Thursday’s meeting, Labour councillor Chris Kane told CS Gibson: “There were obviously some comments made at council, but I look forward to working with you and moving forward in a positive way. Just to reiterate, the comments were not personal.”
CS Gibson said:“Thank you for your kind comments. I didn’t take the press reporting as personal. I’m delighted to be working in the area. It’s a privilege.
“I have 25 years’police service across Scotland and I hope this will provide me with a lot of experience in policing this area.
“I was just the appointee not those who were making the appointment, but there is an awareness to engage in future with those we need to consult with.”
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Kenny MacDonald had written to the chief executives of each of the three local authorities which make up Forth Valley Division on November 19, advising them that CS Thom McLoughlin was moving on to a new post within Police Scotland and provided biographical information on his replacement, CS Gibson.
While he said claimed he had asked their views on the appointment, Stirling Council’s chief executive Carol Beattie told councillors:“The way the letter was written was that this was a fait accompli.”
Councillors had noted CS Gibson’s appointment but also wrote to the chief constable and the chair of the Scottish Police Authority expressing their concerns over how the process was conducted.