The new chief constable of Surrey Police has been announced after a series of rigorous interviews and assessments.

Mark Rowley, who was serving as Temporary Chief Constable in Surrey Police, was the unanimous choice of the selection panel.

He began his policing career in 1987 as a constable in the West Midlands and, after various detective appointments in Birmingham, moved to the National Criminal Intelligence Service as a Detective Superintendent where he led on the national development of covert techniques to combat organised crime.

“I am under no illusions over the challenges we face as an organisation, and I pledge to do my utmost to protect and improve front-line policing despite our well publicised funding constraints,”

Since his appointment as Temporary Chief Constable, he has led the development of the Surrey Public First initiative which puts the needs of local people before chasing targets, an approach which has led to an increase in the public’s confidence and reductions in crime.

Peter Williams, chairman of the Surrey Police Authority which made the appointment, said: “Mark impressed us greatly with his expertise, experience and vision for policing in Surrey.

“We at the Police Authority are delighted with Mark’s appointment, and look forward to working closely with him in the coming years as we continue to build a local police force that works first and foremost in the interests of the people it serves, and one that Surrey people can continue to have real confidence in.”