New Police Scotland chief constable urged to root out institutional discrimination in force

Chief Constable Jo Farrell has been urged to tackle institutional discrimination as she begins her first day as the head of Police Scotland.

Previously the leader of Durham Constabulary, Farrell is the first woman to be Scotland's chief constable and joins after her predecessor, Sir Iain Livingstone, described the single force as "institutionally racist and discriminatory".

The admission followed a review which revealed accounts of racism, sexism and homophobia by serving officers. Livingstone said the disclosure was "essential" to the force's "absolute commitment to championing equality and becoming an anti-racist service".

Amnesty International UK has now urged Farrell to to put a "detailed and measurable plan" to tackle the issue in place. Its head of UK nations and regions, Patrick Corrigan, said: "The statement made by Sir Iain was honest and stark but reflected what many already knew and have experienced first-hand. The chief constable will need to set out what action she intends to take without delay."

Farrell joins as Police Scotland seeks to deal with a projected £19m overspend and as the inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh in 2015 continues.