Preferred candidate for Durham chief constable announced
The deputy chief constable of Durham Constabulary, Jo Farrell, has been named as the preferred candidate for the position of chief constable.
Durham’s police, crime and victims’ commissioner Ron Hogg said Ms Farrell’s “extensive and varied career in several forces brings a breadth and depth of experience to what will be a very challenging and varied role”.
He said the decision followed a “thorough search up and down the country for the best person to be chief constable”.
“Durham Constabulary is widely recognised as one of the best forces in the country, and I am certain that under Jo’s leadership the force will go from strength to strength,” added Mr Hogg.
Interviews took place earlier this week before a panel of senior public figures, a community representative and an external human resources expert. These followed focus groups with constabulary officers and staff and psychometric testing by the College of Policing.
“The recruitment process has been rigorous. I wanted to include police officers and staff so it is clear that the chief constable has their backing,” said Mr Hogg.
The appointment is subject to a confirmation hearing of the police and crime panel on June 6.
