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The Scottish Police Authority has announced the appointment of Jo Farrell as the next Chief Constable of Police Scotland. Jo has been the Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary since 2019. The announcement follows the news in March that the current Chief Constable, Sir Iain Livingstone QPM will retire in August 2023.
Martyn Evans, Chair of the Authority said, “Jo is an outstanding and highly experienced senior police leader who has made an exceptional contribution to policing over her extensive career. With a proven history of innovative policing, she has led Durham Constabulary for the last 4-years where it was graded as ‘outstanding’ for its disruption of organised crime and how it achieves value for money. She also has UK wide experience heading the demanding Digital Data and Technology portfolio for the National Police Chiefs’ Council.”
The Chief Constable of Police Scotland is accountable to the Authority and is responsible for the direction and control of more than 22,500 officers and staff delivering community and specialist policing services to more than 5 million people in cities and towns and across rural and island communities. The Chief Constable is also responsible for managing annual resources of more than £1.35 billion.
Speaking about the appointment, Jo said, “This really is a day of mixed emotions. I am immensely proud to have served as Chief Constable of Durham and equally proud of everything the force has achieved over that time. Over the last six years, I have worked with some extraordinarily talented and committed people, dedicated to keeping County Durham and Darlington safe, and it has been a very difficult decision to leave.
“But as Chief Constable of Police Scotland I have been offered a unique opportunity to take on one of the most exciting and challenging jobs in UK policing.”
The appointment was made by the Authority and approved by Scottish Ministers. The appointment will be for a fixed term of 4-years with the possibility of extension. The role attracts a salary of salary of £232,452.