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Police Complaints Commissioner appointed
07/09/2012
John McNeill will continue in his role as Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland until August 2014.
Professor McNeill has held the post since 2009, and will provide continuity, stability and unrivalled experience to the PCCS at this important stage of the reform of Scotland’s policing landscape.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:
"The new single Police Service of Scotland will go live on April 1 2013 to serve local communities and meet the demands and challenges of the 21st century. It starts from a position of strength with crime at a 37-year low, helped by the record 1,000 extra officers this Government has delivered since 2007 – reform offers a unique opportunity build on these strengths, while protecting the frontline.
"Professor McNeill will play an important role in this new landscape. It is vital the strongest possible candidate is in place at this crucial time of transition, and we believe that he is best placed to lead the process. He will provide continuity, stability and unrivalled experience at this important stage of the reform journey."
Professor McNeill said:
"I was happy to agree to the Cabinet Secretary’s request for me to extend my term as Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland. I will draw on my experience as Commissioner, as well as my long career in the wider justice landscape, to develop a fit for purpose oversight body that is capable of fulfilling its remit of effective, independent oversight of the police in Scotland. The extension of my term to 2014 also provides stability and continuity in the lead up to and the early years of a single police service in Scotland."