The new Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary has pledged to take the force from “strength to strength”
Rachel Bacon has been confirmed as the successful candidate for the role after receiving the backing of the area’s Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen.
Mrs Bacon, who will leave her role as Deputy Chief Constable of South Wales Police, was announced as the new Chief Constable following a meeting of the Durham Police and Crime Panel on Monday.
The experienced PC will replace outgoing Chief Constable Jo Farrell, who has moved to Police Scotland.
Having previously worked at Northumbria Police, Mrs Bacon is also the UK Police lead for Mental Health and works across other forces to improve its policing services.
Image: LDRS
Speaking after her new role was confirmed, she said: “These are challenging times for policing, but I have already been impressed by the outstanding commitment I have seen among Durham Constabulary officers and staff to protect local communities and deliver the best possible policing service.
“I look forward to building on that dedication and commitment by working with Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen to deliver on her Police and Crime Plan priorities and take this force from strength to strength”.
The Police and Crime Panel confirmed three applications were received for the role, with Mrs Bacon the ideal candidate after interviews.
Commissioner Allen added: “I promised the people of County Durham and Darlington I would secure the strongest candidate to take Durham Constabulary forward and I am delighted to have succeeded.
“Rachel has already proven herself to be a strong and innovative leader in previous roles. I know how much she is looking forward to taking on this challenge and investing her skills into pushing the boundaries of Durham Constabulary’s success even further.”
