New Deputy Chief Constable Confirmed
Friday, 16 December, 2011
Simon Chesterman has been appointed as West Mercia Police's new Deputy Chief Constable after serving as temporary DCC for four months.
He joined the force from Thames Valley Police in 2007 as Assistant Chief Constable (Specialist Operations). The role of Deputy became available after David Shaw stepped up to the role of Chief Constable in August this year.
Chairman of West Mercia Police Authority, Sheila Blagg, said: "Simon Chesterman is an outstanding officer who joined West Mercia in May 2007.
"The force reputation and performance in serious and organised crime has dramatically improved on his watch with local and regional initiatives being introduced across people disciplines and tactical command operations that are now embedded within the force.
"He is regionally and nationally respected for his work on serious organised crime and enhancing firearms capacity and capability.
"Simon has had experience as Temporary Deputy Chief Constable in 2008 and over the past four months while the position was being advertised. He has demonstrated the professionalism we want and need from our police leaders and is absolutely trusted to deliver in this post.
"In keeping with the latest guidance from the policing minister, the Right Hon Nick Herbert MP, this appointment has the full approval of our Chief Constable David Shaw."
Chief Constable David Shaw added: "I am delighted on a professional and personal basis that Simon has been appointed by West Mercia Police Authority as Deputy Chief Constable. He has made an outstanding contribution to this force over the last four years and has acquired an impressive reputation locally, regionally and nationally.
"His appointment to this post is a critical one for the force at this time of unprecedented change and I can think of no one better to support me and the Authority in helping us to protect and serve the people living and working in West Mercia.
"I know he is held in the highest regard by the workforce and his ability to build positive relationships within the service and with other partners will be key as the force addresses crime, disorder and the spending challenges in the months and years ahead."
