New deputy chief constable appointed

West Yorkshire Police Authority has today appointment a new deputy chief constable.

John Parkinson will take up his position on April 16 and replaces David Crompton, who left the force recently to become Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police.

Councillor Mark Burns-Williamson, chair of the authority, said: “Despite tough competition from the other candidates we know John is very well placed to help lead the force with the chief constable and command team colleagues through this extremely challenging time as the new deputy chief constable. On behalf of the police authority we look forward to working closely with him and I welcome him to his new role.”

Mr Parkinson joined West Yorkshire Police in 1979 as a cadet and has worked in all geographic areas of the force. Following the events of the London bombings on July 7, 2005, he was appointed as the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) in West Yorkshire alongside the Metropolitan Police Service, investigating those responsible for the bombings.

Following successful completion the UK Police Strategic Command Course in 2008, he was appointed as assistant chief constable in 2009 and most recently held the portfolio for Corporate Services.

Mr Parkinson said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed deputy chief constable. I look forward to building on our excellent reputation and performance in delivering policing to the neighbourhoods and communities of West Yorkshire, which have seen us achieve record levels of public confidence.

“I am very proud to take up such a prestigious role after starting here over 30 years ago and working in every part of the force. I am excited to continue working with the force and police authority to meet these very challenging times in policing.”

West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison added: “We had four outstanding candidates which is a tribute to the reputation of the Force. I am delighted for John Parkinson, who will ensure a continued focus on neighbourhood policing and on designing a service that continues to meet the needs of the community.”