New chief constable appointed

Northern Constabulary`s new chief constable takes up his post with the aim to remain “one of the safest places to live and work in the UK”.

The force announced that George Graham has taken up the post of Chief Constable after he was appointed by the Northern Joint Police Board in November to take over from Ian Latimer on his retiral.

Mr Graham, who is from Dumfries, has more than 28 years experience within the Scottish Police Service, where he was latterly Deputy Chief Constable for Dumfries and Galloway. He joined in 1982, working his way up the ranks, gaining considerable experience over two decades until appointed to Head of Operations and then his Chief Officer role in 2006.

Mr Graham is a member of the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS), where he has recently held responsibility for the Information Management and Operational Policing Business Areas and the National Business Change Programme Board.

He said: “It is tremendous to come to such a beautiful part of the world and to take the helm of a force which has such an excellent performance record. I can see that a huge amount of energy and work has gone into achieving the excellent results over the past year, which is a credit to everyone who contributed to that.

“I am delighted to have now taken up the post of Chief Constable of Northern Constabulary and am looking forward very much to getting around the Force and meeting the people who have made Northern Constabulary such a success.

“The force has an excellent reputation and enjoys high levels of public confidence and excellent working relationships with its partners. The Highlands and Islands is one of the safest places to live and work in the UK and I am determined to help it remain so.”

Councillor Norman Macleod, Convener of the Northern Joint Police Board, added: “The Board is delighted to welcome Mr Graham to the Highlands and Islands. We are very pleased to have someone of such high caliber to take over from Mr Latimer. We look forward to working with him in his role as the Chief of one of the highest performing forces in the UK.”

Mr Graham is married to police sergeant Aileen. Mr Graham also plays the pipes and was the manager of the Police Pipe Band in his former force.