PCC confirms preferred candidate for next chief constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary

Mr Prophet is currently deputy chief constable in neighbouring Essex Police and is the national policing lead on tackling anti-social behaviour.

Mr Ash-Edwards said the decision follows “an extensive and merit based recruitment process” over the past four months after the current Chief Constable Charlie Hall announced his retirement.

He said Mr Prophet was selected following a “rigorous assessment and interview process”, which involved an expert interview panel plus a workforce group made up of officers and staff.

The final appointment will be subject to a confirmation meeting of the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Panel on December 19.

Mr Ash-Edwards said: “I am delighted to have selected Andy Prophet as my preferred candidate to be Hertfordshire’s next chief constable.

“We had a very strong calibre of applicants for the role which is crucial to ensuring that Hertfordshire remains a safe county and the public is provided with a good service by the constabulary.

“Mr Prophet has already made an excellent contribution to policing in his current roles and, throughout the process, demonstrated the qualities that I was looking for in the new chief constable. I look forward to him bringing his expertise and leadership to Hertfordshire.

“The final stage of the process is a confirmation hearing by the Police and Crime Panel and I look forward to introducing Mr Prophet to the panel members.”

Mr Prophet said: “It is an honour to have been chosen by the PCC as his preferred candidate for chief constable of Hertfordshire.

“I have been impressed by the energy and passion of everyone I have spoken to in the constabulary.

“I am looking forward to working alongside all the officers, staff and volunteers, building on strong relationships with our partners, and enhancing the policing we provide for communities across Hertfordshire.”

Mr Prophet will take up the Chief Constable role early in the New Year subject to vetting and confirmation by the Police and Crime Panel.

Mr Prophet’s policing career spans 28 years. He spent his first ten years working as a patrol constable and then a response team and custody sergeant. Since then, he has held a number of leadership positions, the majority of which have focused on leading geographical policing teams and working closely with partners, with the ultimate goal of preventing crime and catching criminals.

In his current role as deputy chief constable at Essex Police he is responsible for overall force performance, building public trust and confidence, promoting professional standards as well as delivering strategic change and innovation.

He is also the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for tackling anti-social behaviour. Much of his work continues to involve working collaboratively with agencies locally and nationally.