SENIOR POLICE officers from Tayside and Fife have been overlooked for roles in the command team of the new national police force.
Scotland’s eight forces are to merge into a single police force called the Police Service of Scotland on April 1 next year as part of a bid to save costs.
Former Strathclyde police chief Stephen House was named as the first chief constable of the national force last year and he will be supported by six assistant chief constables and four deputies.
However, there is no command role for Tayside Police chief constable Justine Curran anywhere. Ms Curran had put herself forward as a candidate for chief constable.
Fife Constabulary chief constable Andrew Barker, who assumed command when Norma Graham stepped down earlier this year, will retire at the end of March and was only ever an interim appointment to bridge the gap until the single police force comes into being.
Mike McCormick, former deputy chief constable with Dumfries and Galloway, has been made assistant chief constable, local policing east an area comprising the current Fife, Lothian and Borders and Central policing areas.
Derek Penman, the acting chief constable of Central Scotland, will be assistant chief constable, local policing north. This covers the current Tayside, Grampian and Highland force areas.
The assistant chief constable for local policing west is Wayne Mawson, a divisional commander with Strathclyde Police.
There are also three other assistant chief constables.
Malcolm Graham has responsibility for serious crime and public protection while Ruaraidh Nicolson will have responsibility for crime, serious organised crime and counter terrorism.
Bernie Higgins is in charge of operation support.
All six men will be based in the interim headquarters of the new single force at Tulliallan Castle although they are expected to spend much of their time in their areas.
Scottish Police Authority chairman Vic Emery said:“Appointing a command team to provide the chief constable with the support he needs has been a top priority.
Chief Constable Stephen House added: “The six assistant chief constables will play critical roles in the future of policing in Scotland.
“This team will drive forward local policing, deliver operation on organised crime, major incidents, counter terrorism, public protection and operational support.”
The Scottish Government claims merging Scotland’s police forces will save £1.4 billion over 15 years.
Each assistant chief constable will earn between £90,726 and £105,849 per year depending on experience.