Police Scotland ‘united’ despite bullying complaints against chief

The man running Police Scotland has said his force is “united and committed” but admitted more can be done to make officers visible on the streets.

Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said he wanted to provide assurances to the public following the decision by Chief Constable Phil Gormley to go on leave while he is investigated over bullying claims.

Mr Livingstone cancelled his decision to take early retirement earlier this month.

Addressing the Scottish Police Authority board in Inverness yesterday, he said: 0 Iain Livingstone said he wants to reassure the public “I had intended to retire in the autumn and pursue other avenues of activity, but given the current situation I have decided to remain in post for the forseeable future.

“Chair, I can assure you and the wider public we have a united and committed senior team and I am confident we will take the service forward.”

Mr Livingstone said the force needed to shape its deployment of officers to help address a “perception” about a lack of them on the streets.

Meanwhile, a decision to close the area control room in Inverness has been approved, with functions passing to Dundee.

Police Scotland plans to create a new National Database Enquiry Unit partly based in the Highland capital, which will allow frontline officers to carry out information searches.