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Top north cop becomes boss of police watchdog     3/3/13

George Graham the present Chief Constable of Northern Constabulary, has been appointed HM Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland (HMIC),  Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has announced.

He succeeds Andrew Laing who has retired from the post.

As HMIC for Scotland, Mr Graham will be responsible for planning and leading an annual programme of inspection and monitoring of the performance of Scotland’s new single police service.

Mr Graham will also be a source of professional independent advice on police matters, publishing reports of inspections and producing an annual report to Ministers on the police service in Scotland.

The post is entirely independent of Government, police and the Scottish Police Authority. Mr Graham is joining HMICS on secondment from Northern Constabulary.

The appointment will be for the period up to mid-December to provide continuous expert and independent advice and inspection support during the transitional phase as the new service is established.

Mr MacAskill said: "I would like to welcome Mr Graham into his new role and have every faith that he will be a first class appointment leading the Inspectorate into a new era of policing as the new service goes live on 1 April.