Kate Frame has been appointed as the new Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.
A Solicitor and current head of the Crown Office’s Criminal Allegations Against the Police Division, Ms Frame will take up her new role as the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) in August.
The PIRC conducts independent investigations into serious incidents involving the police and independent scrutiny of the way police bodies operating in Scotland respond to complaints from the public.
Ms Frame will succeed current Commissioner, Professor John McNeil,l who vacates office on 15 August.
Ms Frame said: “I am delighted to take up this appointment and look forward to building and strengthening public confidence through robust and independent investigation and oversight of matters which reflect public concern in the Scottish policing landscape.
“The work of my predecessor has provided a strong foundation which I will develop with partners to deliver a culture of continuous improvement, transparency and accountability within policing, providing public reassurance in the Police Service of Scotland.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill added: “The PIRC plays a vital role in safeguarding the trust the Scottish people have in their police service.
“The appointment of such an experienced and dedicated individual as Kate will build on the very valuable work already carried out by Professor McNeill. I wish her well in her new post.
Background
The PIRC undertakes independent investigations into serious incidents involving the police. It also provides independent scrutiny of the way Police Scotland responds to complaints from the public.
This may include incidents where someone has died or sustained serious injury after contact with the police, or when directed to investigate by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service if there is an indication a police officer may have committed an offence, or investigate on behalf of the procurator fiscal, the circumstances of a death involving a person serving with the police under section 1 of the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976.
After qualifying as a solicitor Kate joined the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Kate is an experienced Prosecutor who has appeared in Summary and Solemn Courts throughout Scotland and has undertaken specialist roles within the High Court Unit and Fraud and Specialist Services Unit.
She has also held a number of senior roles within the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, including responsibility as District and Area Procurator Fiscal, Head of the International Cooperation Unit, Head of the Civil Recovery Unit and latterly, Head of the Criminal Allegations Against the Police Division.
She will take up her role on 16 August for an initial period of five years.