POLICE and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston has welcomed the new chief constable of Essex Police.

Chf Con Stephen Kavanagh took over the top role last week after replacing Jim Barker-McArdle, who resigned after almost four years in the job.

His annual salary, including allowances, will be £192,163.

Mr Alston said: “Stephen Kavanagh comes to this role with exceptional experience of policing, having held many high profile and demanding positions within the Metropolitan Police Service.

“He brings a detailed understanding of neighbourhood policing and of complex investigations, and has also been entrusted with leading some of the most demanding and important policing commands in the country.”

Mr Kavanagh, who began his career as a constable patrolling Leyton in 1985, served in a wide range of roles as he progressed through the ranks to deputy assistant commissioner.

Despite his police service being in London, the new chief constable is “Essex through and through”, according to the PCC.

“He grew up and went to school in our county, his father was an officer in Essex Police, and he lives in Essex. He is hugely enthusiastic about taking on the leadership of the force.

“He is also committed to working in partnership with everyone in the community to continue to keep Essex safe,” said Mr Alston, before adding: “I have absolutely no doubt that Stephen is the right person to lead the highly professional officers and staff of Essex Police through the challenges of the next few years, to drive crime down and to ensure there are fewer victims of crime in our county.”