Senior Police Scotland officer Neil Richardson to step down

One of Police Scotland’s most senior officers has announced he is to step down.

Deputy Chief Constable Neil Richardson will leave the role when his contract expires later this year.

A selection process to identify a successor will start shortly.

Mr Richardson said: “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved in Police Scotland and privileged to have been able to play a part in what has been an historic change to policing in this country.”

Chief Constable Philip Gormley said: “Neil has served the communities of Scotland for over 30 years and has been a pivotal figure in the reform of policing and the creation of the single national service.

“His contribution has been outstanding and that has been recognised with the award of the OBE and QPM.”

The chairman of the Scottish Police Authority, Andrew Flanagan, said: “Neil has been a leading figure in Scottish policing for many years and I wish him every success as his future develops beyond policing. He has been an outstanding public servant and leader.”