Kingston police’s borough commander Laura Nicholson is leaving, after landing a job in Hampshire.

The 43-year-old, who has just overseen an eight per cent drop in crime in the borough in the year to March 2009, was selected as assistant chief constable following two days of intensive interviews on April 16 and 17.

ACC Nicholson joined the police in 1987 and has served right across London. While at Kingston she oversaw the work of more than 400 police officers, PCSOs and support staff, with her focus including bringing in neighbourhood policing and combating violence in the town centre.

She said: “I am delighted and proud to have been selected by the police authority for the post of Assistant Chief Constable in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“I look forward to joining what is already a successful police service and working with communities and partners to ensure we continue to keep everyone who lives, works and visits the county safe.”

ACC Nicholson was on leave from Kingston headquarters earlier this year to take a commander’s course putting her in the frame for a promotion but at the time colleagues said it could be a year before she moved on.

No public announcement has been made by Kingston police, but Hampshire Police Authority announced the appointment three days ago.