OUTGOING TAYSIDE Chief Constable John Vine said he was proud of what he had achieved in almost eight years as the region’s top police officer during an emotional goodbye yesterday.

Mr Vine, who was appointed to the post in November 2000, will leave the force at the end of next month to take up the high-profile government position of chief inspector at the new UK Border Agency.

Mr Vine will provide an independent external analysis of the agency’s systems and will focus on the efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation.

He will also provide an annual report for the Home Secretary, which will be laid before parliament, helping to provide assurance about the agency’s performance to both MPs and the public.

During a farewell luncheon yesterday at Tayside Police’s Bell Street headquarters, Mr Vine said he was sad to be leaving the force, but was satisfied with the job he had done.

“I’m extremely proud of the fact that during my time as chief constable we have managed to reduce crime substantially in the area,” Mr Vine said.

“I don’t pretend that there isn’t more to do—there is.

“We still have problems with drugs and anti-social behaviour but Dundee is in many respects doing a lot better now than it was.

“I’ve always been keen to get out in the community myself and be seen and I’m very proud of the policing style we have here.

“I also believe the partnerships we’ve established with other local agencies have had a really positive impact upon the people and the city of Dundee.”

Mr Vine revealed that a personal highlight during his tenure with the force had come in 2005 when he was responsible for policing the G8 Summit at Gleneagles Hotel.

The policing operation—protecting world leaders and controlling protests outside the hotel—earned plaudits from across the globe.

“The G8 Summit was probably one of the most difficult policing operations in the world at the time. That was certainly a tremendous challenge and I was delighted with the way we responded to that challenge,” he said.

Mr Vine and his family will continue to live in the area, with Mr Vine commuting to London on a regular basis for work.

“I think Dundee is a wonderful place and has a great feel to it. My family and I were always made to feel so welcome here and we regard Tayside as home now.”