POLICE Scotland’s new chief constable wants to “build a more empowered and devolved organisation” to address local issues across the country.

Iain Livingstone believes the single force formed in 2013 valued consistency and compliance over local diversity in its early years. He also said the force needs to adapt to take account of changes in society, particularly around technology and cyber crime.

Speaking yesterday, he said: “I think we can deal with the multitude of demand. I don’t think we would have been able to had we not gone through the process of reform. We need to have a capability to deal with international terrorism and we also need to be very close to our local communities.

“I think, on my own personal reflection, that in the early years we did value consistency, we did value compliance perhaps over local diversity. I think we recognise that and I intend to build a more empowered and devolved organisation.”

Livingstone was confirmed as chief constable on Wednesday after months as the acting head of the force after predecessor Phil Gormley quit while suspended and facing gross misconduct allegations.

Other senior officers have been the subject of complaints but when asked if there were bullying and misogyny issues in the force, Livingstone said: “I don’t think there are at all. I think that misrepresents policing in a very unfair manner.”