Jo Farrell has overall command and responsibility for the Police Service of Scotland and leads 22,000 officers and staff serving communities across a third of the United Kingdom’s landmass. Chief Constable Farrell joined the police as a constable in Cambridge in 1991. In 2002, she joined Northumbria Police, initially as a Chief Inspector, and was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable, with responsibility for response and neighbourhood policing as well as the communications department.
Chief Constable Farrell joined Durham Constabulary in November 2016 as Deputy Chief Constable before being appointed Chief Constable in June 2019. Chief Constable Farrell chairs the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Digital Data and Technology Co-ordination Committee.
Joanna, born in September 1968 in Wirral, Cheshire, England, embarked on her policing career in 1991 as a constable with Cambridgeshire Constabulary. Her dedication and leadership skills led her to Northumbria Police in 2002, where she progressed to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable, overseeing response and neighbourhood policing, as well as the communications department. In November 2016, Farrell joined Durham Constabulary as Deputy Chief Constable and, in 2019, made history as the first woman to be appointed Chief Constable in the force’s 180-year history.
On June 14, 2023, the Scottish Police Authority announced Farrell’s appointment as the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, succeeding Sir Iain Livingstone upon his retirement in August 2023. This appointment marked another historic milestone, as she became the first female to lead Police Scotland. Assuming the role officially on October 9, 2023, Farrell took command of a force comprising approximately 22,000 officers and staff, serving communities across a vast and diverse region.
In her capacity as Chief Constable, Farrell has prioritized enhancing public confidence, addressing funding challenges, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and transparency within the force. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to community engagement and a focus on modernising policing practices to effectively serve the needs of Scotland’s diverse population.
Police Scotland stands as a pillar of safety, professionalism, and community trust across Scotland. As the nation’s unified police service, it exemplifies dedication to protecting lives, upholding the law, and fostering strong, positive relationships with communities of every size and background. Committed to integrity, transparency, and excellence, Police Scotland blends modern policing techniques with deep local knowledge to respond swiftly and effectively to challenges, ensuring that citizens feel secure and supported in their daily lives. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and continual improvement, Police Scotland inspires confidence, embodying the highest standards of public service while promoting a safer, stronger Scotland for all.
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