New Chief Constable of Police Scotland announced

Jo Farrell has been appointed as Police Scotland’s first female Chief Constable.

Farrell was appointed by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) following a six-week assessment process and will take up the post later this year. She replaces Sir Iain Livingstone QPM, who will retire in August.

Farrell is currently Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary.

Scottish justice secretary Angela Constance approved the SPA’s appointment. She said: “I am delighted that Jo Farrell has been appointed as Police Scotland’s new Chief Constable following the Scottish Police Authority’s rigorous selection process.

“Jo is the first women to be appointed to this role. As the force marks its 10th anniversary year, she has shown she has the skills needed to lead the service into the next decade and meet the challenges ahead.

“Thanks to the dedication and work of the police, recorded crime rates overall are at record low levels and we have a service that is unique in the UK with an embedded human rights focus.

“Policing will continue to be an absolute priority for this government, as evidenced by the £1.45 billion we have allocated to support it in 2023-24. I look forward to working with the new Chief Constable as the service continues to build on its significant strengths.

“I also want to pay tribute to Sir Iain for his bold leadership and wider service to keeping communities safe during a lengthy, distinguished career in policing. He leaves Police Scotland in great shape after leading it through unprecedented times.”

Image: Rab-k, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons