Mike Barton has been confirmed as new Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary.
The appointment, proposed by Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg, was confirmed today by the Durham Police and Crime Panel.
Mr Barton, who has been temporary chief constable since last October, has been with the force since moving here from Lancashire police in 2008, serving first as assistant chief constable then being appointed deputy in 2009.
“It’s both an honour and a delight to have been given the job of leading this constabulary and providing world class policing to the people of County Durham and Darlington,” he said today.
“I’m proud to be leading a team of dedicated, professional police officers and staff who have maintained our excellent performance in crime and anti-social behaviour reduction, in the face of budget cuts and the challenges of a complete force restructure.
“We are all committed to the force vision to inspire excellent policing, inspiring confidence in victims and our communities by protecting neighbourhoods, tackling criminals and solving problems around the clock.”
Mr Barton, who holds the national intelligence portfolio with the Association of Chief Police Officers, has led the force in tackling organised crime in County Durham and Darlington. Operation Sledgehammer uses intelligence, analysis and effective enforcement action to break up criminal networks which often involve extended family members.
He is also committed to tackling lower level crime and disorder, including anti-social behaviour like litter, dog fouling and speeding vehicles which can have an adverse impact on communities. These issues are regularly addressed through neighbourhood Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings.
