Surrey’s new Chief Constable been confirmed as Tim De Meyer after the county’s Police and Crime Panel unanimously approved his appointment on January 17.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Lisa Townsend said De Meyer, pictured, who is currently an assistant chief constable with Thames Valley Police, declared he the “outstanding candidate”.

He replaces the outgoing chief constable Gavin Stephens, who becomes the next head of the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Townsend said: “I am absolutely delighted the panel have confirmed my appointment of Tim De Meyer and I would like to whole-heartedly congratulate him on securing the role of chief constable for this county.

“Tim was the outstanding candidate in a strong field during the interview process and his vision for forging an exciting future for policing in Surrey shone through at the meeting yesterday.

“I believe he will bring a wealth of experience from a varied policing career across two different forces and the force will be in great hands with him at the helm.

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“I was really impressed with the energy, passion and commitment he showed both yesterday and during the selection process, which I am confident will make him an inspirational and exceptional leader for the force.

“I know he is really looking forward to the challenge and working with our policing teams, partners and residents in continuing to make Surrey one of the safest counties in the country for our communities.”

De Meyer said: “It will be a privilege to be the chief constable of Surrey Police and I cannot wait to get started in April.

“I shall inherit the leadership of excellent officers, staff and volunteers, whose commitment to policing is plain to see. It will be wonderful to work with them to serve the people of Surrey.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I must thank the PCC and the Police and Crime Panel for putting their trust in me to lead Surrey Police into its next chapter.

“I am determined to repay this trust by taking my responsibility to build on the strong foundations already in place. By working together with our partners and the public, Surrey Police will rise to the crime-fighting challenges ahead and continue to earn the trust and confidence of all our communities.”