Aberdeen-based Grampian Police is searching for a head of public
affairs and media as part of a restructuring of its communication
function. The appointment comes at a time when the force is under
critical scrutiny following its handling of the Scott Simpson child
murder inquiry in spring 1998, and the recent departure of its
controversial former chief constable Ian Oliver.
The newly-created role is the most senior in the force’s press and
corporate communications department, and reports to assistant chief
constable Peter Wilson. The post replaces former media liaison officer
Mike Lowson, who left last summer to set up his own corporate
communications agency, Lowson Associates in Aberdeen.
Following Lowson’s departure, Aberdeen-based agency Covey McCormick
provided interim PR support for Grampian Police. The agency continues to
offer strategic PR advice on a retainer basis.
Wilson said: ’Covey McCormick suggested to us that the role of media
liaison officer should be expanded to advise the CEO on matters of
policing policy which enter the public domain. For example, this could
include identifying national initiatives which the force needs to
address and improving community partnerships.’
The appointee will be responsible for internal communications and will
head a three-strong press office.
Several areas of responsibility have been shaved off the role in a bid
to focus on communications strategy. For example, Lowson was responsible
for the force’s graphic and TV units, which now fall under the remit of
the force’s training department.
Grampian Police covers Aberdeenshire and Moray. This includes Royal
Deeside, where Balmoral Castle is located. The force is responsible for
policing the region’s docks, football clubs and its offshore oil and gas
installations.
