New Police Scotland boss begins work

The new Chief Constable of Police Scotland has taken up his job with a pledge to engage more with communities and acknowledging mistakes the force has made.

Iain Livingstone. Picture: Scottish Parliament

Iain Livingstone started his £216,549 job earlier today, becoming the third head of the national police force since the single force was created from a merger.

Mr Livingstone told STV: “I acknowledge that we didn’t get everything right at the outset of Police Scotland,” he said.

“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.”

He added: “It’s my job now to lead and drive that change and to build on the values, ethos and traditions of policing in Scotland that first attracted me to the job 26 years ago.

“It is a great responsibility and opportunity to lead the team that is Police Scotland, to harness your ideas and potential to serve the people of Scotland.”

Mr Livingstone replaces Phil Gormley, who was investigated for five separate allegations of gross misconduct following complaints of bullying by staff.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf tweeted: “Congrats to @policescotland new Chief Constable @CC_Livingstone on his first official day on the job. He has demonstrated over many years his dedication to public service & strong leadership.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with him.”