CHESHIRE Police’s new chief constable is ready to make the county ‘one of the safest’ in England.

Darren Martland has become the head of the constabulary following a confirmation hearing during the Cheshire police and crime panel meeting on Friday.

He has taken on the role of acting chief constable since being announced as police and crime commissioner David Keane’s preferred candidate for the permanent post last month.

CC Martland has served with Cheshire Police since 2017, joining the force as an assistant chief constable before being promoted to the role of acting deputy chief constable.

He has also worked at chief officer level in Cumbria Constabulary and has held local commander positions within Merseyside Police.

The proposed appointment was announced by the commissioner following a two-day ‘rigorous interview process’, which involved support from key leaders across Cheshire.

It was carried out in accordance with the College of Policing guidance on the appointment of chief officers.

CC Martland said: “I feel honoured and privileged to have been selected as the new chief constable of Cheshire Constabulary, which is a first-class organisation.

“I am looking forward to working with our excellent staff, volunteers and partners in order to deliver the police and crime commissioner’s police and crime plan and making Cheshire one of the safest counties in the country.

“My main priority over the next few weeks is to be as visible as possible and getting to know our staff and the communities in Cheshire.”

Mr Keane said CC Martland ‘performed very well’ and demonstrated great leadership skills throughout the recruitment process.

He added: “When I started the recruitment process, I set out my requirements to recruit a new chief who shared my vision to establish a policing culture which promotes innovation, is compassionate to both its residents and its staff and seeks to make the most out of our highly valued partnerships.”