New beat for N.Wales top cop

NORTH Wales Police’s most senior officer will leave the force to lead the region’s health board.

Chief Constable Mark Polin, who has been in the post for almost nine years, has announced that he will retire from duty in July.

He will take up the role of chairman of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which is in special measures, at the start of September.

Mr Polin said: “I feel very fortunate to have led North Wales Police for close on nine years and I can honestly say I have enjoyed every day. It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside such professional, committed and skilled members of staff. Their resilience and understanding has been truly tremendous given the challenges we have tackled, not least in terms of pretty much continual change in the face of austerity and new demands and rising public expectations.”

Mr Polin started his career with the City of London Police, where he worked up to the rank of Chief Inspector. In 1998 he transferred to Gwent Police as a Superintendent. In December 1999, Mr Polin was appointed Chief Superintendent and Divisional Commander of Caerphilly Division, and, in 2002, took responsibility for the Professional and Ethical Standards Department. Before moving to North Wales as Chief Constable, he was Deputy Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary. In 2010 he received the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM). He added: “I have been assisted by a strong but appro- priate relationship with the police and crime commissioner and his office, who have supported the force well. My life has also been made somewhat easier by a cohesive and high-performing management team.

“I say to all our new recruits that families and friends play a crucial role in supporting us to do our jobs to the best of our ability, and I know I could not have performed the role I have without my wife Karen and our two children, Amy and James, to whom I am indebted.

“I will miss hugely all the officers, staff and volunteers I have had the honour of leading.”

North Wales police and crime commissioner Arfon Jones said: “I would like to thank Chief Constable Mark Polin for his excellent leadership at a time when the force has had to absorb substantial financial cutbacks whilst adapting to deal with new and emerging crimes.

“Mark has been a credit to North Wales Police and is held in the highest regard by colleagues and the range of partners the force works with and the communities that it serves.

“He has made a significant impact on the area and through his leadership the force is now in a much better position.”