Phil Gormley to be sworn in as chief constable of Police Scotland

The new head of Police Scotland will officially take up the role today.

Phil Gormley, former deputy director of the National Crime Agency, will be sworn in as chief constable of Scotland’s national force.

Following a ceremony at Tulliallan police college, Mr Gormley will succeed Sir Stephen House as the country’s most senior officer.

The former chief constable of Norfolk Constabulary said he was “excited and passionate” about the new challenge when his appointment was announced last month.

Over the course of his 30-year career, Mr Gormley has also been deputy chief constable of West Midlands Police and Metropolitan Police commander.

He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2012.

Mr Gormley said: “It will be my job to ensure our service strikes the right balance between local community approaches and the many challenges we face from organised criminals, cyber crime and extremism.”

The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Scottish Police Authority and was approved by Scottish ministers.

Sir Stephen, who oversaw the merging of eight forces to create Police Scotland, stepped down at the start of December amid criticism over a number of high-profile incidents.