POLICE SCOTLAND have appointed Chief Superintendent Stephen McAllister as the new divisional commander for Forth Valley.

CS McAllister has been temporarily in charge of the division, comprising the Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire areas, since May 2016 following the promotion of former commander John Hawkins to assistant chief constable.

He has been a member of the Forth Valley Division senior command team as superintendent in charge of support and service delivery since 2014.

CS McAllister has been in the police service for over 28 years, during which time he has worked in a variety of ranks and roles across local community policing and CID primarily within the West of Scotland.

He has also spent time in national roles within the National Counter Terrorism Security Office where he specialised in protective security and he is also a police negotiator and a national co-ordinator for negotiators across Scotland.

CS McAllister said: “Having been part of the Forth Valley Division senior management team for the last two years and interim local policing commander for the last three months, I am delighted to be appointed as divisional commander from August 15. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time within the division and It’s a real privilege to be given the opportunity to lead a team of committed officers and support staff in the delivery of a local policing service to the communities of Forth Valley.

“I will ensure that the priorities that have been set in consultation with the community are delivered upon, with the aim of continuing to make Forth Valley a safe place to live, work and visit.”