New police chief aims to make county safer
THE new chief constable of Cheshire Police has been announced as Darren Martland.
Mr Martland has been with Cheshire since 2017 following extensive service at other North West forces.
He had already taken on the role of acting chief constable after being announced as the police and crime commissioner David Keane’s preferred candidate last month.
His appointment on a permanent basis has now been confirmed by Cheshire’s police and crime panel.
Mr Keane said: “I am delighted to appoint Darren Martland as the new chief constable for Cheshire. Darren brings a wealth of experience, dedication and passion to the role.
“He performed very well throughout the whole recruitment process, demonstrating great leadership skills.
“When I started the recruitment process, I set out my requirements to recruit a new chief who shared my vision to establish a policing culture which promotes innovation, is compassionate to both its residents and its staff and seeks to make the most out of our highly valued partnerships.
“I believe that Darren has the necessary skills and experience to deliver this vision and I look forward to working with him to ensure Cheshire delivers the best police service for its communities and remains one of the safest counties in the country.”
Mr Martland joined Cheshire Constabulary as assistant chief constable in 2017 before being promoted to the role of acting deputy chief constable.
He has also worked at chief officer level in Cumbria Constabulary and has held local commander positions within Merseyside Police.
He said: “I feel honoured and privileged to have been selected as the new chief constable of Cheshire Constabulary, which is a first class organisation.
“I joined Cheshire Constabulary in 1999, as a sergeant, before transferring to Merseyside Police in 2006, and subsequently returning to Cheshire in 2017.
“I am looking forward to working with our excellent staff, volunteers and partners in order to deliver the police and crime commissioner’s police and crime plan and making Cheshire one of the safest counties in the country.
“My main priority over the next few weeks is to be as visible as possible, and getting to know our staff and the communities in Cheshire.”