Chief of Scotland’s largest police force, appointed to take over new national force, warns of challenges ahead.

The current chief constable of Strathclyde Police will be the first officer to lead the new Police Service of Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority has announced.

Stephen House will take up his post in the autumn and will initially be responsible for ensuring a smooth transition as the eight forces merge into one unit in April next year.

But CC House admitted that changes were needed and “they will not be easy”.

He said: “We need to organise ourselves better. We need to tackle inconsistencies in national systems and procedures, while backing the local discretion of commanders to deal with local issues.

“I am proud of the achievements that have been made in tackling crime in recent years and I look forward to working with and learning from my colleagues from other forces to bring these together and provide the best possible service for the Scottish public.”

Originally from Glasgow, CC House joined Sussex Police in 1981, where the early part of his career saw the IRA attack on the Grand Hotel in Brighton and the Miners’ Strike.

He achieved promotion to sergeant and inspecting ranks on transferring to Northamptonshire Police in 1988 and served as a superintendent in West Yorkshire Police from 1994.

CC House entered the ACPO ranks four years later, serving as an ACC in Staffordshire, where he was responsible for territorial policing and latterly specialist services.

He joined the Met in 2001 in a move which saw him take command of the Specialist Crime Directorate as assistant commissioner, later becoming AC Central Operations. He has held his current position in Strathclyde for the past five years.

CC House, who is a married father-of-three, was appointed to his new role after a UK-wide recruitment process. He will work with closely with Vic Emery, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority.

Mr Emery said: “I am delighted to welcome Stephen House as the first chief constable of the new Police Service of Scotland. He will bring a wealth of experience and authority.

“We are both entering new and uncharted territory. That’s challenging and exciting.”

Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill added: “Stephen House has the skills and experience to lead the service as we embark on this new era.

“I am confident he will be an outstanding first chief constable. He has an impressive track record of leadership, partnership working and delivery.”

Police Service Of Scotland: Chief Appointed