New Chief Constable appointed (From Witney Gazette)

New Chief Constable appointed

THAMES Valley Police Authority today announced the appointment of Sara Thornton as its new Chief Constable with effect from April 1.

Appointed: Sara Thornton

She has been the Acting Chief Constable since January 2006, when outgoing Chief Constable Peter Neyroud left on secondment to head up the National Policing Improvement Agency. His role has now become permanent.

Her policing career began with the Metropolitan Police in 1986, and over the next 14 years alternated between operational postings in West London and strategic roles within New Scotland Yard.

She joined Thames Valley Police as the Assistant Chief Constable for Specialist Operations in November 2000 and was appointed Deputy Chief Constable in August 2003, where her responsibilities included performance and developing the strategic direction for the Force.

More recently she has played a pivotal role in implementing neighbourhood policing across the Thames Valley. In June 2006 she was awarded the Queen's Police Medal.

Ms Thornton said: "I am personally delighted to be appointed to the post of Chief Constable. Over the last seven years I have been very proud to be part of the team in Thames Valley Police and feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to lead this great organisation. We will no doubt face some difficult challenges in the coming years but I am confident that with the support of police officers and staff we can all work together to make a difference to life in the Thames Valley."

Christine Weston, chairman of the Police Authority said: "Thames Valley Police is a strongly performing force and we are delighted that Sara will be able to continue the excellent work she has done over the past 12 months. She is a highly experienced officer and a very positive and effective