Police Force set to confirm first female chief
THE temporary chief of Avon and Somerset Police force is set to be confirmed in the role permanently later this month.
Deputy chief constable Sarah Crew has been temporary chief constable since Andy Marsh stood down in the summer.
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark Shelford has announced that following a rigorous selection process she was his preferred candidate.
The police and crime panel should rubber-stamp his choice when it meets on November 25.
She will be the first female chief constable in the force’s history.
In 2019/20 Mr Marsh was paid £162,000 for the role.
Mr Shelford, the Conservative candidate who was victorious in May’s elections, said: “I am delighted to announce my preferred candidate – Sarah Crew – and look forward to the Police and Crime Panel confirmation hearing.
“At the start of this process, I said I was looking for a robust and innovative chief constable who is able to inspire their workforce and Sarah has a proven track record of strong and effective leadership.
“It’s been a tough two years for policing due to the pandemic, a changing landscape and new
demands, but I am confident that Sarah will successfully deliver a professional, efficient and effective police service for our communities.”
The selection panel was made up of the PCC, former Dorset chief contable James Vaughan, CEO for Voscur Sandra Meadows and independent ember Carolyn Dhanraj.
Mr Shelford said candidates for the job faced a two-day selection process.
Ms Crew has been deputy chief constable since 2017 and is also the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s lead for rape and adult sexual offences.
The police and crime panel does have the power to veto the PCC’s choice but this can only be done if two thirds of the 17-person panel vote to do so.