Senior Norfolk police officer confirmed as Cambridgeshire's new chief constable

The appointment of a senior Norfolk police officer as the new chief constable of Cambridgeshire has been confirmed.

Nick Dean, who is currently deputy chief constable of the Norfolk force, had been named as the preferred candidate for the role by Cambridgeshire police and crime commissioner Jason Ablewhite last month.

But his appointment has now been confirmed following a meeting of the county's police and crime panel yesterday.

Mr Dean, who has been in the police service for the past 26 years, will take over from the current chief constable, Alec Wood, at the end of September.

He said: “It is a privilege to be appointed the next Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire. Throughout the process I have been made to feel welcome and look forward to building on the leadership provided by Alec Wood over the past few years.

"It is both an exciting and challenging opportunity and one which I am really looking forward to.

"Cambridgeshire is an excellent force and although sorry to leave Norfolk, I know that I am inheriting a professional and committed organisation who have the communities of Cambridgeshire in their hearts.”

Mr Ablewhite added: “I am delighted to be able to appoint Nick Dean as the new Chief Constable for Cambridgeshire.

“When I set out on this process, it was important that I recruited a Chief Officer who could bring the vision, determination and resilience required to lead the Constabulary.

"Nick performed very well throughout the whole assessment process and demonstrated great leadership skills. His understanding and inclusive approach to partnership working puts him in a good place to support the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.

“As a visionary Chief Constable, Nick will build on the excellent work undertaken by his predecessor, Alec Wood, to continuously innovate and improve the quality of the county’s police service whilst also protecting our communities and meeting public expectations. His energy and passion will help us meet the challenges ahead.”