The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
New chief constable in charge at Police Scotland
Iain Livingstone succeeds Phil Gormley in the role
New chief constable Iain Livingstone has taken charge at Police Scotland.
Mr Livingstone’s first task in the role was to address new recruits to the UK’s second largest police service.
He was named earlier this month as the successor for former chief constable Phil Gormley.
Mr Livingstone had been serving as interim chief constable following the resignation of Mr Gormley, who was suspended during an investigation into gross misconduct allegations, which he denied.
On his first day in the job, the former deputy chief constable said it was an “honour and a privilege”.
He also emphasised the importance of public service in a message to the force’s 22,000 officers and staff.
Mr Livingstone said the force, which has been embroiled in a series of controversies since its formation in 2013, had “come through a challenging period with renewed purpose”.
“My priority for the organisation is to lead the continued delivery of an outstanding police service for our fellow citizens,” he said. “I have said it before but it is important to keep saying it: policing in Scotland is strong, primarily because of our people.
“I would challenge anyone to find another jurisdiction anywhere in the world which provides a police service like ours.
“We are able to do this because of the fundamental values and principles that underpin everything we do: policing by consent and public service.
“We are also able to provide safety and security because of the nature of our single structure, which provides the best of local and the strength of national.”
Mr Livingstone added: “I acknowledge that we didn’t get everything right at the outset of Police Scotland.
“The need to maintain an operational grip on policing meant that sometimes we moved too quickly, we didn’t engage with our communities sufficiently.
“We were seen to impose national policies on local areas. Consistency and compliance came before local diversity.
“That approach has brought benefits. For example, we can now say with certainty that every homicide in Scotland is dealt with to the highest possible standard.
“Every domestic abuse case is treated in the same way regardless of where the victim lives.
“But I know that it’s not one size fits all. It’s my intention to build a more devolved policing service that better meets the needs of local communities.”
There is a always a slight sense of trepidation when starting a new job. Getting to know colleagues and attempting to fit in while striving to make a positive difference can be a difficult balancing act.
Sometimes one is entering a job where little change is needed, the role requiring no more than a steadying hand on the tiller.
However, it is somewhat different for Iain Livingstone, who has more reason than most to feel a little nervous as he takes up a high profile new position.
Chief Constable Livingstone is the new man at the helm of Police Scotland, where plain sailing has been anything but the norm.
There have been numerous scandals since the merger into a single force, leaving public confidence battered and bruised.
It is down to Mr Livingstone to restore Police Scotland’s reputation and to prove – not a moment too soon – that the merger was in the best interests of the Scottish people the force is designed to serve.
To his credit, the new man is not attempting to hide from the issues.
Acknowledging prior problems regarding a loss of local accountability is a big step, acting upon them will be the real test.
After all, actions speak louder than words.