A new chief constable has been appointed for Hampshire’s police force and will begin his new role on February 5.
Andy Marsh, currently the deputy chief constable of Hampshire Constabulary, was promoted to the top position after a unanimous recommendation from the Police and Crime Panel (PCP) and its commissioner.
He takes over from Alex Marshall who is leaving to become the chief executive of the new National College of Policing.
Mr Marsh joined Hampshire as Deputy Chief Constable in July 2010. He started his career with Avon and Somerset Police before transferring to Wiltshire Police as an Assistant Chief Constable in 2007. He returned to his former force in 2009 before moving to Hampshire.
“Hampshire Constabulary has made significant changes and proven highly effective at tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and safeguarding the public under the leadership of Alex Marshall,” said Mr Marsh.
“It is a real privilege to have the opportunity to continue to progress that great work, and I look forward to working with the PCC in building and developing a policing service that focuses on the needs of all those within our communities.
“I am very proud that our force is full of highly committed and dedicated staff. I want to develop the organisation to enable them to help the public to the very best of their ability, because I know that is what our staff come to work to do.”
One of his first duties in office will be to select a new deputy chief constable. A election process will be held shortly.
In the interim period, Assistant Chief Constable Laura Nicholson will become temporary DCC, and Chief Superintendent Nigel Hindle will become temporary ACC to cover ACC Nicholson’s portfolio of Crime & Criminal Justice.
A temporary replacement as commander of the Eastern area will be identified shortly.
Chairman of the PCP, Councillor David Stewart, said: “He was able to display a high level of professional competence and personal independence and is a consistent, forward-thinking leader whose values are very much in line with the needs of the communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The Panel looks forward to working with him through the Police and Crime Commissioner, in the future.”