Surrey appoints permanent chief

Nick Ephgrave has been confirmed as the preferred candidate for the role of chief constable of Surrey Police.

Mr Ephgrave, who since December has been performing the role of temporary chief constable, will take up the position on a substantive basis on July 5, subject to a confirmation hearing by the area’s police and crime panel.

Surrey’s police and crime commissioner, David Munro, said he had considered two applications following an assessment day, which included candidates meeting representatives from some of the force’s key stakeholders, preparing and delivering presentations and undergoing a test TV interview on a difficult but realistic scenario.

Mr Ephgrave said he was “delighted” to have been offered his new role.

“It’s great to be able to carry on the work of the last six months with the chief officer team we created,” he said.

“I look forward to a fruitful and productive relationship with the PCC, to drive forward his police and crime plan.”

Mr Munro said: “I am delighted to offer the post to Mr Ephgrave. I am confident he will do an outstanding job and I look forward to working with him during my term of office.”

Mr Ephgrave joined the force in July 2013 as deputy chief constable.

Before this he had served in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) since 1990, having previously worked as a physicist in the NHS.

As a senior investigative officer he worked on the South London murder squad and received a Judge’s Commendation for his role in the successful re-investigation of the murder of Damilola Taylor.

His roles have also included setting up a guns and gangs unit in Southwark, crime commander for the Notting Hill Carnival and staff officer to the former Commissioner Lord Ian Blair.

He was also responsible for designing and implementing the national counter terrorism coordination centre at New Scotland Yard and was borough commander for Lambeth before his promotion to commander in territorial policing where he led on criminal justice, custody and crime policy for the MPS.

He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in this year’s Birthday honours.