The men who’ll lead 999 revolution: Chairmen of Scotland’s new national police and fire authorities appointed

By ALISTAIR MUNRO
Published on 31/08/2012 12:27

THE formation of Scotland’s new national police and fire services has taken a major step forward with the key appointments of their first chairmen.

The Scottish Police Authority will be headed by Vic Emery, while Pat Watters will head the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Emery is currently convener of the Police Services Authority and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency.

He will help select Scotland’s first national chief constable.

Mr Watters is a former president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla).

Justice Secretary Kenny

MacAskill said: “As well as excellent knowledge of policing in Scotland through his current role, Mr Emery also has significant experience of leading large, complex organisations.”

Community safety minister Roseanna Cunningham, who announced the appointment of Mr Watters, said: “He has demonstrated strong experience of delivering change and this will prove invaluable to help ensure a smooth transition to the new service.”

Mr Emery said: “The more efficient we make the organisation of policing, the more police officers and staff can do for us as citizens.”

Mr Watters said: “Firefighters and staff will have a crucial role to play in the new service, and I will ensure we utilise their skills, expertise and ability to the full.

David McLetchie, the Scottish Conservative’s justice spokesman, said: “Vic Emery comes to this job with a background in the rationalisation of police services and closing down local facilities. So he will be well-suited to do the same thing with the single police service.

“From his time with Cosla, Pat Watters was the man behind the ill-judged and so-called historic concordat with the Scottish Government, so he will be well-used to doing its bidding.”