The decision by Police Scotland chief constable Stephen House not to seek a second term was inevitable.

His two years as the country's most powerful police chief - a role that would have been challenging for anyone - have not been a success.

On his watch, police staff jobs have been slashed while perks for the most senior officers have been retained.

His policy on arming police officers on routine duties was pushed through, without a full consultation with the public or the Scottish Police Authority.

And his policy on stop and search, which was hammered last week by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, has gone from farce to fiasco.

According to inspectors, Police Scotland frisk figures cannot be trusted as officers don't know what a search is, or what should be recorded.

Even worse, House's evidence to the SPA on his force's questionable stop and search data was marked by basic errors.

It is almost as if, having been used to little scrutiny at Strathclyde Police, he has been surprised that politicians and journalists would have the audacity to hold him to account in his new role.

In explaining his difficulties, House used a football metaphor by saying his force had given away too many "stupid penalties".

In reality, his decisions as manager have been poor and his arrogance has alienated his own team and the supporters of the police.

It would be better for the chief constable to bring forward his retirement date, but seeing out his full term could bring opportunities.

If he stays, House should revisit how his force consults the public and key stakeholders before embarking on controversial changes.

He should also insist that the force make better use of external and independent agencies to scrutinise its statistics, which have been proven to be wholly unreliable.

House is yesterday's man, but he could help his successor restore trust in a valued and necessary public service.