Interim chief constable appointed to lead police

A new acting chief constable has been appointed to lead Derbyshire Police after the force's former leader retired.

Rachel Swann, who became the county's first female chief constable in August 2020, left her role on Sunday.

Derbyshire's police and crime commissioner (PCC), Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, has announced the appointment of Simon Blatchly, who became the force's deputy chief constable in 2022, on an interim basis.

A permanent successor is not due to be confirmed until early 2027, the office of the PCC said.

Blatchly leads nationally on surveillance in partnership with the National Crime Agency and other security agencies, and on bike safety on behalf of the National Police Chiefs' Council, the office of the PCC said.

He has also worked with the United Nations in Iraq, New York and Liberia, leading policing for peacekeeping missions and national security work.

Blatchly said he was "truly honoured" to be given the opportunity to lead the force and "build upon the work" of Swann.

He added: "While my time in policing has taken me all over the world, to lead the force, in the county that I call home, is the greatest privilege so far."

Ndiweni-Roberts said: "I'm well aware that this is a particularly busy and demanding period for Derbyshire Constabulary, and it is essential that we have a strong, experienced leader in place to provide stability and clear direction.

"I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to our outgoing chief constable, Rachel Swann, for her outstanding public service, unwavering commitment to policing and keeping our communities safe.

"I wish her every success and happiness in the future."

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