Head Of Crimefighting Agency Decides To Step Down

The head of Scotland’s crimefighting agency and one of the country’s most influential police officers is to retire later this year.

Graeme Pearson, director of the Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency (SCDEA), will stand down on November 11 after almost 38 years in the service. Colleagues had expected him to stay on for another two years, but the former assistant chief constable of Strathclyde Police has decided this is the “right time to go”.

The 57-year-old workaholic has risen from rookie beat bobby with Strathclyde to, arguably, the most high-profile police officer in Scotland.

During his tenure at the SCDEA, he has transformed the name and role of the agency to make it an FBI-style body with a remit to tackle all organised crime across the country and liaise with British agencies.

Changes in legislation under the recent Police Act mean the agency now has the power to recruit its own staff, sanction surveillance operations and carry firearms – moves which were almost universally opposed by Scotland’s eight chief constables.

Last night, Mr Pearson told The Herald: “The time is right after nearly four decades to step down. It gives an opportunity for a new director to be chosen for the agency.

“I would have to leave in just over two years, anyway, and that means I don’t have enough time left to deliver on some some of the changes needed for the agency to be best-placed for the next five to 10 years.

“This has been a difficult decision which I have thought about for a long time this summer. I love working at the agency but I need to focus on what is best for everyone else here.

“I have taken the agency through the legislative changes required and now I am sure it is right for a new director general to take things forward.”