Police Scotlands chief constable Sir Stephen House stands down
Police Scotlands under-fire chief constable has quit his post just seven weeks after battling resignation calls and despite his own fulsome apology for failing both families in the wake of the M9 double tragedy.
Police Scotlands under-fire chief constable has quit his post just seven weeks after battling resignation calls and despite his own fulsome apology for failing both families in the wake of the M9 double tragedy.
In spite of top-level support, Sir Stephen House never seemed to recover from the welter of criticism over the three days it took his officers to respond to a fatal crash on the M9.
He has come under huge political and media pressure over armed officers being put on routine patrol, the forces stop-and-search policies for juveniles and his officers are also being investigated by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner over the death in police custody of Sheku Bayoh after being arrested following an incident in Kirkcaldy on May 3.
Sir Stephen, who had already said a second term in office was unlikely when his current four-year contract expires in September 2016, announced his departure details at a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) this morning. It is understood he will leave the post at the beginning of December.
He told the meeting: “Much has been achieved since the creation of Police Scotland and I firmly believe that Scotland is better served for it.
“Not only in managing the changes brought about by reform and substantial financial cuts, but most importantly in the public service we provide.
“From building confidence in victims coming forward to report crimes, to ending the postcode provision of specialist services, to improving our ability to respond to major incidents and events – I am proud of the hard work and commitment to the public, police officers and staff deliver each and every day.
“I would like to pay my personal tribute to the unstinting work they do in serving the people and communities of Scotland. It is their work that keeps people safe across Scotland and it is their work I would like recognised.”
He said there was never a right time to leave a post, but after nearly 35 years as a police officer and the last nine as a chief constable in Scotland, the search for his successor should now begin.
Former Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill was quick to pay tribute to the departing chief constable.
He told Police Professional that Sir Stephen had been a remarkable officer and has left an outstanding legacy.
Mr MacAskill added: As the first ever chief constable of the single service he delivered the vital change in a very tight timetable.
His record is exemplary and the statistics testify to that. Scotland is a safer and better place due to his contribution.
I am sad to see him go but he departs with his head held high. Scotland`s loss will be someone else`s gain.
Scotland`s SNP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon thanked Sir Stephen for overseeing the policing to a single service.
Mr Sturgeon said Strong policing has ensured recorded crime is at a 40-year low. Sir Stephen provided leadership at a crucial time and his strong focus on tackling violent crime made a major contribution to that achievement.
I also recognise his powerful and long-standing focus on tackling domestic violence and sexual crime. At a time when we are celebrating a century of women in policing, his track record in encouraging and supporting women in the service should also be recognised.
The policing of major events when Scotland was in the international spotlight such as last years Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup was also exemplary.
Reform of policing in Scotland was absolutely vital to sustain the policing upon which Scotlands communities depend and Sir Stephens contribution to that was invaluable.”
In October 2012 Sir Stephen, previously the chief constable of Strathclyde Police, began the tough task of amalgamating Scotland`s eight regional police forces into the single national force, now the second largest in the UK.
He won praise for Police Scotlands handling of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as well as overseeing a reduction in crime levels and the issues surrounding the postcode lottery