ACC Donald retires after 38 years on the beat

The longest-serving Grampian Police officer is to retire after more than 38 years service. Assistant Chief Constable Albert Donald will stands down this month.

Mr Donald joined the then-Scottish North Eastern Counties Constabulary (SNECC) as a Police Cadet aged just 15 in 1971 and became a Constable in 1974. He is the last serving member of SNECC, which amalgamated with Aberdeen City Police in 1975 to form Grampian Police.

He retires from one of the force's top positions following several years in charge of the high-profile Aberdeen Division.

Chief Constable Colin McKerracher said: "Bert's dedication, commitment and contribution to Grampian police and the Scottish Police Service throughout his 38 years service has been immeasurable. "

He has worked in specialist roles in roads policing, central reports, CID, the Drugs Squad, the General Enquiries Department and in the Force Control Room.
Mr Donald has also worked with the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland's policy unit.

Mr Donald has also been responsible for the policing plan for Aberdeen's Offshore Europe - one of the biggest oil industry gatherings in the world.

He was appointed Chief Superintendent in charge of Aberdeen in 2005, where he worked until he was made Assistant Chief Constable in 2009.

He was admitted as a Burgess of Guild in 2008 as a mark of gratitude for his services to the Burgh of Aberdeen.
While in the Aberdeen hotseat, he pioneered a number of major initiatives, including the successful and ongoing Operation Oak crackdown on crime and violence in the city centre.
Caption - ACC Donald retires