Scottish Government
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Chief Constable resignation
Following the announcement that the Chief Constable of Police Scotland Sir Stephen House would be stepping down from post on December 1 this year, the First Minister thanked Sir Stephen for his service with both Police Scotland and Strathclyde Police.
Ms Sturgeon said:
“I would like to thank the Chief Constable for his dedicated service with both Strathclyde Police and Police Scotland during which time he oversaw the transition to a single police service.
“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 year’s Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup was also exemplary.
“Reform of policing in Scotland was absolutely vital to sustain the policing upon which Scotland’s communities depend and Sir Stephen’s contribution to that was invaluable.
“As a result, policing in Scotland continues to perform extremely well and the police service deserves great credit for this. Moving to a single service is safeguarding frontline policing from Westminster cuts.
“Over that period, we have seen record numbers of police officers – more than 1000 higher compared to 2007 – and those additional officers are ensuring communities across Scotland are safe and strong.”
Commenting on the Chief Constable’s announcement and on policing more widely, Cabinet Secretary for Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said:
“I would also like to thank the Chief Constable for his service and contribution to policing in Scotland.
“There have been challenges but we are learning the lessons and addressing the issues. We continue to make good progress on the reform journey to deliver a truly integrated single service and all the benefits that brings and I will expand on this in a statement on policing to parliament next Thursday.
“The people of Scotland deserve exemplary policing delivered by an exemplary police service and we will continue to work with Police Scotland, the Chief Constable and his successor, and the new Chair of the Scottish Police Authority to ensure this is the case.”
