First for ACC appointment

Chief Superintendent Michelle Dunn has been appointed as the new assistant chief constable for Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Her role will primarily involve leading the three-force strategic alliance’s operational support project.

Ms Dunn, who is currently serving with Essex Police, is the first chief officer to be appointed through a process that includes three chief officers in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

The final interview panel comprised Hertfordshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) David Lloyd, Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Colette Paul, Cambridgeshire Constabulary Deputy Chief Constable Alec Wood and Hertfordshire Constabulary Chief Constable Andy Bliss.

Ms Dunn has spent her entire service with Essex Police, joining in 1992 and serving in a variety of roles, including Commander at Stansted and Chief of Staff for the Command Team.

Mr Bliss said: “We have taken a different approach to recruiting this post because each force and their PCCs have a critical role in shaping how services will be delivered in the future.

“Michelle is the right person for this role and I am delighted with her appointment. Her knowledge and understanding of operational policing is first class. She brings a wealth of experience which, I am sure, will serve the three forces very well as we move forward with our further collaboration plans.”

Mr Lloyd said: “I am delighted that a candidate of Michelle’s quality has applied and been appointed. Greater collaboration will allow PCCs the opportunity to deliver local policing even more effectively.”

Ms Dunn said: “I am looking forward to what I know will be a challenging role bringing together some really important elements of policing that have a direct impact on the public and the service we provide.

“I am committed to working with officers and police staff from all three counties in the months ahead as the plans begin to take shape.”