Former ACPO president dies

Tributes have been paid to one of the UK’s longest-serving chief constables who has died aged 85. David Owen CBE QPM, who led North Wales Police from 1982 to 1994, passed away on Tuesday (January 24) at his home in Llandudno. Mr Owen was the second officer to lead the force after it was formed in 1974, and had previously spent two years as chief constable of Dorset Police. Born in Betwys-y-Coed in 1931, Mr Owen spent many years with the Metropolitan Police Service, rising to detective chief superintendent. He then left to serve in Lincolnshire Police and Merseyside Police before his Dorset appointment. In 1990, he was appointed president of the Association of Chief Police Officers. Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard said: “David Owen was a highly respected man within the force, nationally and the community of North Wales. “David will be remembered for his strong and effective leadership, and I know from personal experience he left a positive and lasting impression on all those who served with him. “On behalf of North Wales Police I wish to extend our condolences to his wife Patricia, daughter Gail and sons, Philip and Mark. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”