Date revealed for Chief Constable’s departure

ESSEX’S new Police and Crime Commissioner has stated his intentions to find a new chief constable.

Jim Barker-McCardle resigned from the position in November - straight after the PCC elections - although he will stay in the role until May 3.

Now the search is on to first his replacement.

Nick Alston, Essex’s PCC, said: “A few weeks ago, Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle made clear his intention to step down from the force for personal reasons. Jim and I have now agreed that he will leave Essex Police on May 3, 2013.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I have decided that we will start the search for the next Chief Constable of Essex Police with immediate effect. I will be doing my utmost to ensure that Essex has the opportunity to recruit a first class Chief Constable from a range of high calibre candidates.

“Jim has been a fine Chief Constable, constantly striving to deliver the best possible policing service to all the communities of Essex. I am delighted that Jim has agreed to lead Essex Police well into next year, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him.”