Durham’s Chief Constable Jo Farrell has been appointed as Police Scotland’s next Chief, taking over the role from Sir Iain Livingstone.

CC Farrell has been Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary since 2019 having been Deputy in Durham since 2016 and having served in Northumbria Police since 2002.

She started her policing carer with Cambridgeshire in 1991 after a degree in business at Sheffield Polytechnic.

She also has the NPCC portfolio for Digital, Data and Technology.

Durham Constabulary has 1,151 officers and around 1,000 police staff, while Police Scotland has 23,000 officers and staff. 

CC Farrell will receive a salary of £232,452 for a fixed term contract of four years (wiyj the possibility of extension). 

CC Farrell 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.”

Sir Iain said: “I congratulate Jo Farrell and look forward to working with her to ensure an effective handover that will maintain stability in Police Scotland.”