Current DCC preferred candidate for Lancashire’s next chief constable

The current deputy chief constable, she will take over from Chris Rowley announced he is to retire in the spring after 31 years in policing.

Ms Hatchett said she was delighted to take on the “challenging and exciting role”.

Lancashire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) Andrew Snowden said Ms Hatchett was chosen “following a vigorous process”.

After joining the police service in February 1997, Ms Hatchett  has worked in a variety of different roles across Lancashire, North Wales and Cheshire and has more than six years of experience in the highest command ranks of assistant chief constable and above.

She joined Lancashire Constabulary in 2021, after serving as assistant chief constable for North Wales Police where she had overall responsibility for the force’s operations targeting and dealing with crime.

As deputy chief constable in Lancashire, she has led on implementing the new operating model for the force so it can deliver the PCC’s ‘Fighting Crime Plan’, using the extra 612 officer recruited.

This is has seen new teams created such as the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, the Roads Policing and Roads Crime teams, the Rape and Serious Sexual Assault units, along with the expansion of the neighbourhood and rural teams.

Mr Snowden said: “I’m delighted to announce I have selected Sacha Hatchett as the new chief constable for Lancashire Constabulary.

“Sacha is a highly competent leader, experienced in operational command as well as strategic leadership, who leads from the front and above all shares my determination and passion to see criminals brought to justice, more visible policing on our streets and the highest professional standards upheld.

“I want Lancashire to have a reputation as the most pro-active, crime fighting force in the country that relentlessly takes the fight to criminals, and over her career and her time in Lancashire, Sacha has proven that she knows how to step up these efforts.

“I am confident she can keep up the momentum and build on the foundations that we have already laid to deliver on the priorities set out in my Fighting Crime Plan. This includes a highly visible presence on our streets, with Officers who are seen as figures of authority and respect – ultimately reducing the number of victims, making people feel safer and improving public confidence.

“I am confident that Sacha will make an outstanding chief constable.”

Ms Hatchett said: “I am delighted to have been named as Lancashire Constabulary’s new chief constable.

“This is a challenging and exciting role and I am passionate about delivering the best possible service to our communities and to victims of crime.

“I believe strongly in the value policing brings to our county – keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice and reducing offending.

“I want to build on the fantastic work by Chris Rowley and Andrew Snowden, which has been developed over several years, as well as working closely with the chief officer team, focusing on our key priorities.

“This is undoubtedly the proudest moment of my career and I look forward to continuing to serve and support the officers, staff and communities of Lancashire.”

The appointment is subject to a confirmation hearing by the Lancashire Police and Crime Panel next month.