Dr Brian Plastow, a former police chief superintendent and lead inspector for Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, will become the first person to hold the post following an open recruitment competition.

The newly created role of commissioner is intended to support and promote the adoption of lawful, effective and ethical practices in relation to biometric data in a policing and criminal justice context.

Dr Plastow has significant knowledge of biometric data and technologies for criminal justice and policing purposes. He has also conducted independent research into policing, equalities, and human rights and holds a PhD in criminology from the University of Leicester.

His appointment will be for a fixed term of eight years, with a salary of £70,000 per annum. The commissioner is appointed by Her Majesty The Queen on the nomination of the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Act 2020 provides for the establishment of the office of the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner and to provide for its functions in relation to the acquisition, retention, use and destruction of biometric data for criminal justice and police purposes. As the first Commissioner, Dr Plastow will establish the office.