Selecting Scotland's Police Leaders: A ‘Crisis' Revisited

Abstract

Traditionally leadership in the senior ranks of the police organisation has been regarded as a key factor in producing effective police performance. The aim of this article is to revisit Scott and Wilkie's (2001) analysis of whether or not there is a ‘crisis' in Scottish policing regarding the appointments to top police jobs, especially at chief constable level. An update is provided of the background of current ACPOS (Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland) ranks, and comparisons are drawn between the situations in 2001 and 2010. Developments in Scottish policing which relate to senior leadership appointments are discussed, and a review of these developments is used to cast light on the extent to which there continues to be a ‘crisis' in police leadership in Scotland.

Keywords

police leadership police organisation promotion and selection Scotland

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