New chief constable sets out her priorities for Police Scotland
Scotland’s new chief constable promised to prioritise trust, confidence, high performance and officer and staff wellbeing as she took up her post on Monday (October 9).
Jo Farrell made a commitment to focus on threat, harm and risk, and on prevention and problem solving, during her swearing in ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.
Ms Farrell also underlined her determination to drive an “anti-discriminatory agenda” after former Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone acknowledged that Police Scotland was “institutionally discriminatory”.
She said: “I know the acknowledgement of institutional discrimination is a difficult message for many dedicated and honourable officers and staff.
“Having considered Sir Iain’s reasons, I agree Police Scotland is institutionally discriminatory. People with different backgrounds or experiences, including our officers and staff, have not always received the service that is their right.
“The onus is on us to challenge bad behaviour and prejudice, address gaps and eradicate bias, known or unwitting, at every level. Our Policing Together programme drives this moral, legal and operational imperative so that we maintain and build confidence with all communities.
“I will bring my support and leadership to this work and our success will be measured by the improved experiences of our officers and staff, and of the public.”
Ms Farrell added: “I believe passionately in the value policing brings to our communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems, and reducing offending.
“We stand up for and with our communities, which strengthens them, improves their wellbeing, and allows them to prosper.
“My operational focus is on threat, harm, and risk. Police Scotland will focus on prevention, problem solving and proactivity, and on looking after our hard-working officers and staff so our people can deliver our vital public service.
“Police Scotland is a highly credible public sector organisation known for its compassion and it attracts huge public support. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of so many talented, professional, and courageous police officers, staff, and volunteers.”
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said: “I am delighted that the new Chief Constable Jo Farrell has been appointed to the role. It is very clear from the rigorous selection process, led by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), that she has the leadership and skills that are essential to head our national police service and to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.
“There is much to be proud of within the UK’s second biggest police service – which is in a strong place as the new chief takes up her role.
“Police Scotland’s officers and staff and their commitment to serving our communities are the bedrock of the service’s success. From crime, road policing, missing persons, prevention, partnership, dealing with increasing vulnerability in communities, and many other areas – their work should be a source of pride and confidence for our country.
“Both the First Minister and I look forward to formally welcoming the new chief. I am sure we will forge a strong partnership, founded on a shared desire to continue the delivery of sustainable excellence within Scotland’s police service.”
SPA chair Martyn Evans said: “The Authority is delighted the new chief constable is now in post and we look forward to working closely with her and the wider leadership team in the months ahead.”
Ms Farrell’s appointment followed the retirement from policing of Sir Iain in August, following 31 years’ service, including six as chief constable.
Before joining Police Scotland, Ms Farrell had been the chief constable of Durham Constabulary since 2019 – the first woman to hold the post in the force’s 180-year history – having been deputy since 2016. She had served at Northumbria Police since 2002 and started her career in Cambridgeshire Police in 1991.
On the morning of her swearing in, she chaired a meeting with the force executive to set out her priorities and approach before meeting with probationary constables and hosting a virtual session with divisional commanders in the afternoon.