New Police Chief For Cambs

9 June 2010, 16:34 | Updated: 14 June 2010, 08:04

Simon Parr will replace Julie Spence as the Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire Police in September.

Mr Parr, who is 49 years old and has 27 years police service, is currently deputy chief constable at Hertfordshire Police.

Ruth Rogers, Chairman of Cambridgeshire Police Authority, said: "Against strong competition and a very rigorous recruitment process, Simon has clearly emerged as the best candidate to lead the Cambridgeshire force into the future.

Julie Spence will continue to lead Cambridgeshire Constabulary until September when she will retire.

Julie's tenure has been exemplary and I would like to record my thanks to her for her strong, committed and energetic leadership.

She has always put the needs of the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough at the forefront of her thinking.

We have been clear from the beginning that we will face challenges during what is sure to be a financially uncertain time, however we are confident that we have chosen the right candidate to face those challenges head on.

We are completely clear that in Simon Parr we have made the right choice for the people of Cambridgeshire and officers and staff of the Constabulary."

Speaking about his appointment Mr Parr said: "I am absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity of serving the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in the role of chief constable.

I know there are many challenges ahead but I am sure that with the dedication of my staff and the joint working with our partners we will meet those challenges on behalf of the communities we serve."

Mr Parr first joined Sussex Police in May 1983, where he was a uniformed patrol officer before spending time with the force's corporate development section.

He then spent time as a chief inspector in operations, head of control room and divisional commander.

He was appointed assistant chief constable of Hertfordshire Police in 2004 and deputy chief constable in 2007.

Mr Parr will take up his new position with Cambridgeshire Police in September.