Officer appointed ACC delighted to be 'coming back home'
An officer who was the gold commander during the Manchester Arena terror attack has returned to her home force.
Debbie Ford, who started her career at Northumbria Police, re-joins the force after leaving for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in 2016.
She takes over for Ged Noble, who was appointed temporary assistant chief constable in November last year, but has not yet passed the Police National Assessment Centre.
Police Professional understands Ms Ford beat three other shortlisted candidates to the role.
Chief Constable Winton Keenen said: “I am delighted to welcome Debbie Ford back to Northumbria Police as assistant chief constable.
“Debbie is an extremely experienced officer and she returns with a wealth of knowledge gained from her time with GMP which I am a certain will help drive the force forward as we continue to adapt to meet the ever-changing challenges policing brings.
“The fantastic communities we serve can be assured of her unfaltering commitment and determination in providing a service they rightly deserve and one everyone can be proud of.”
Northumbria police and crime commissioner Dame Vera Baird added: “Debbie knows Northumbria communities well, she knows what needs to be done and has a passion for delivering outstanding policing.
“It’s great that Debbie is coming home to Northumbria Police – she will be a real asset to the force and I look forward to working with her again.”
Ms Ford began her policing career at Northumbria Police in 1993, working her way through the ranks and serving as the force’s head of crime until 2015.
She was then appointed temporary assistant chief constable but left the force eight months later to take a permanent position at GMP.
During her time at GMP, Ms Ford oversaw several areas, including serious crime and public protection, and was also Gold commander for the Manchester Arena bombing in May last year.
Ms Ford said: “It is a privilege to be able to return to Northumbria Police and on a personal note I’m delighted that I’m coming back home.
“I was born and raised in this region and had a long career with the Force, so I know how talented the officers and staff are here.
“To be able to help shape the way we police the area and serve our communities is something that really excites me and I can’t wait to get started.”
She added: “The time I spent in Manchester brought many challenges and I worked with a great team – I have nothing but good things to say about my time there.”
