Two candidates in running for Chief Constable’s post

A NEW Chief Constable for under-fire Humberside Police could be appointed by the end of the month after two candidates were shortlisted for the post.

The Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside decided to readvertise the role after only one suitable candidate applied. But now a second candidate for the £130,291 to £159,244 post has come forward.

They will be interviewed on May 26, by a panel including police and crime commissioner Keith Hunter, chief executive of North East Lincolnshire Council Rob Walsh and Humberside’s chief fire officer Dene Sanders.

The Police and Crime Panel, which is made up of local councillors, will then be asked to ratify the successful candidate.

They have the power to veto the appointment – although that is considered unlikely.

Ms Curran announced she was retiring in February after being asked to consider her position by Mr Hunter, ahead of a damning HMIC report. Inspectors rated the force “inadequate” for protecting vulnerable people, while overall its effectiveness was judged as requiring improvement for the second year running. Its efficiency also is rated as “requires improvement.”

In a promotional video to would-be candidates in March Mr Hunter said a new chief needed to deliver “increasingly selfsustaining and safe” communities and build public confidence.