Operation WHAT NEXT
Police Scotland is looking for its third chief constable in five years following the resignation of Phil Gormley. The single force has been dogged by controversy and claims of governmental interference but crime rates remain relatively low. KIERAN ANDREWS
New boss has to develop a national strategy... and learn to stand up to government
I still have a passion for policing.
I can see a way forward within the “one force” structure... I would build it into something that really touches communities again.
The new chief has to be someone whose priority it is to introduce a national strategy – one that gives officers the confidence to use their initiative, innovation and experience to develop that strategy locally.
The chief constable also needs to change the focus of other chief officers from their own self-interest to serving the staff of PS and the communities of Scotland.
It looks to the outsider as if the hierarchy is very much at the centre of it all. Based in Stirling, or Tulliallan, they don’t take a great interest in other areas. If there is a fresh start, whoever is in charge needs to get these officers back across the country to see the strategy delivered locally.
They need accountability devolved locally. The remit of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) is too narrow.
When we took away the local police boards, an accountability gap emerged. The Government will say the SPA was intended to fill that gap.
But they are not there representing any geographical part of Scotland. So where is the accountability?
You need a representative group for different parts of the country. Maybe five natural areas in the country with boards.
Members should not go as party political representatives, instead go as police board members looking after the interests of their community.
Operational commanders at chief officer level should be giving answers.
Finally, they need to be confident in their understanding of leading the organisation to the point where they can stand their ground with politicians.
Strength of character, humility and experience are key attributes.
Can a chief constable stand up to the politicians? Absolutely. I have in the past, with central government and the Scottish Government over a number of things.