Published: Wednesday, 14th May, 2008 12:00
Football injury led to career in police for Chief Constable
By Bob Lovik
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Chief Constable Andrew Cameron will retire in September after 40 years in the force.
Pic by: Central Scotland Police
WHEN Chief Constable Andrew Cameron steps down from his post at Central Scotland Police in September, it will bring an end to a remarkable 40-year career in law enforcement that may never have been if it wasn’t for a football injury.
Over the past eight years, Mr Cameron has steered the police force through high profile events, including the complex terror investigation of Alva resident Mohammed Atif Siddique.
But in 1968, after suffering a football injury that led him to miss four months of school, the 15-year-old Andrew Cameron joined the police cadets and found himself cleaning prisoner cells and fetching pies.
Nearly 40 years later, however, he was awarded a CBE by The Queen, a rare distinction for a chief constable.
The Advertiser sat down with Mr Cameron last week and talked about his humble beginnings, the challenges the force faces and his pride in working with the people that make up the Central Scotland Police Force.
From his office in the police headquarters Stirling, Mr Cameron said, “Back in 1968, the cells were very basic. There was a pale used as a toilet and my job was cleaning those out and cleaning up after sick prisoners.
“I was a general gopher and would make the tea and get the pies. But the police service has been hugely good to me. They gave me a job and educated me as well. It was unusual to have full-time employment at the age of 15.”
From these modest beginnings, Mr Cameron would learn the basic philosophies that would guide his career.
“I was privileged to work with exceptional officers who taught me the importance of treating everybody fairly.
“I learned that as an officer it isn’t my job to judge people and I impress this on new recruits. If someone has a drug problem, you don’t know the reasons why and it is important to treat them with dignity,” he said.
Another principle Mr Cameron learned early in his career is to always be honest with the community in which you serve.
He went on, “If you say you are going to do something, the community will see through you if you don’t fulfill promises. I’m a great believer in if you say it, do it.”
When Mr Cameron took over the force, absenteeism was among the worst in Scotland.
“One of the proudest aspects of my time here has been that the force has really backed me fully in my quest to make sure we are the best performing force in Scotland.
“Eight years ago, we were at the bottom of the league for absenteeism. Since then we have recruited over 140 officers and the morale is much improved. It is amazing to see how selfless this force is. People readily postpone days off if they are needed.”
As Mr Cameron looks to the future, he knows that his successor will face major challenges.
Over the course of his career he has seen drug use and anti-social behaviour soar and, despite his best efforts, the problems continue to grow.
He said, “The stark reality is we are still losing too many people to drugs overdoses. Despite the fact that we’ve arrested 1400 drug dealers, tragedy is being brought to families. This is reflective of 21st century Scotland and we need to work on tackling serious and organised crime.
“The people who deal in drugs don’t have to play by the rules the police do. We will not give in to those who profit from the misery of others and put youngsters in danger.”
Mr Cameron has also seen anti-social behaviour become a major problem during his career.
As parents have become less responsible for their children, he sees a growing minority of young people tarnishing the reputation of a generation.
He said, “I see youths doing great things every day but there is a growing segment of the 14 to 20-year-old age group that is subjecting the law abiding public to vandalism, rowdiness and general fear. As a society, we need to redress the lack of parental responsibilities.”
Come September, Mr Cameron will leave these problems to a new chief constable as he makes the adjustment to civilian life.
“I am leaving with mixed emotions but I am confident the force will benefit from a new chief constable.
“I equate my leaving to someone who is on a life sentence and suddenly finds themselves free. I have been in the police force since I was 15. I have been institutionalised.” Mr Cameron said with a laugh.
He plans to fill his retirement with travel, golf and spending time with his grandchild but says that he plans on continuing to contribute to public life in Scotland.
Receiving a CBE is a fitting end to a distinguished career but Mr Cameron deflected praise on to the people he has led for the past eight years.
“I was totally surprised when I was awarded the CBE but when I reflected on it, I received the honour because of the achievements of the 1200 people who make up the force. I am the man at the top but it is their professionalism that was being recognised.”
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