New police force for Scotland announces interim media team

POLICE media relations –  following the creation of a single policing service, Police Scotland, on the first of this month – has seen the creation of some interim postings.

Says Police Scotland, in a media release: “As part of the communications structure during the transition, a number of interim appointments have been made following an internal recruitment process to support the change to the single policing service.

“These are: Gillian Main, head of engagement (marketing, social media and design), formerly marketing manager at Strathclyde Police; Becky Hunter, head of media, formerly media manager at Strathclyde Police; and Douglas Bodie, head of internal communications, formerly ACPoS communications co-ordinator.”

An interim director of communications and media relations is currently being recruited. Communications during the transition is currently led by Lucy Adamson, communications consultant.

The single service merges all previous eight police forces and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency into one single policing service.

The release continues: “The media services at offices from the legacy police forces around the country remain in place, supporting day-to-day policing operations.

“A corporate media team has also been established, based at the interim headquarters at the Scottish Police College, Tulliallan, Kincardine.”

Adds the release: “The safety and security policing operation for the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup next year will have dedicated communications support. Andrew Walker, currently communications manager for the corporate media team and former head of media and communications at Central Scotland Police, will work with Ali Chalmers, former Lothian and Borders Police communications officer.”