Police Board Extend Chief Constable’s Contract

Issued on behalf of the Northern Joint Police Board on Wednesday 24 May 2006
The Northern Joint Police Board today (Wednesday) agreed to extend the contract of Chief Constable, Ian Latimer until September 2011.
 
Mr Latimer was appointed in September 2001 on a seven-year appointment, which was due to expire in September 2008. 

Today, the Board agreed to extend his contract, when it expires in September 2008, for a further three years.

The extension has the approval of Scottish Ministers.

Councillor Janet Home, Convener of the Police Board, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer Mr Latimer an extended contract, which will see him remain at the helm of our police service until 2011.

“Over the past five years, he has demonstrated very able leadership of our police service. We look forward to his continued commitment to ensuring communities in the Highlands and Islands remain the safest in the country.”

Mr Latimer said: "I am delighted at this extension to my contract as I enjoy living and working in the Highlands and my family is settled here. I'm a great believer in continuity of service and this new contract will allow me to continue with my plans for this, the best performing force in Scotland.”

During Mr Latimer’s term as chief constable, the number of officers on the beat has increased from 661 to 707 - the highest ever.

 He added: “It is my intention to further build on these numbers and continue to drive down crime figures, retain detection rate levels and ensure our force area
remains one of the safest places to live, work and invest."