A senior officer in the Metropolitan Police has been revealed as the preferred candidate to take up the mantle of Cheshire's Chief Constable.
Following a rigorous selection process, Simon Byrne has been selected as the preferred candidate.
Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire John Dwyer said, "All of the candidates demonstrated exceptional qualities and they should all be proud of themselves but Simon was an outstanding candidate who was unanimously supported by the Appointment Panel.
"Simon's appointment is subject to a confirmatory hearing by the Police & Crime Panel on 24 February 2014. Subject to their approval, Simon will take his oath of office and become Cheshire's Chief Constable on 25 June 2014 and I am sure you will join me in congratulating him on his appointment."
Simon said, "I am really excited and privileged to be given the opportunity to lead the Constabulary at a critical time in its 157 year history. My pledge is to relentlessly fight crime and antisocial behaviour."
Simon Byrne will replace Chief Constable, Dave Whatton who has chosen to retire from policing. Simon has lived in Cheshire since the early 1970s. After leaving a local comprehensive school in 1981, he joined the Metropolitan Police in 1982 where he pounded the beat at Paddington Green Police Station.
A transfer to Merseyside Police in 1985, saw him undertake a variety of uniform, CID and Headquarters roles. He was the Commander for Knowsley between 2002 and 2004, pioneering a new Neighbourhood Policing approach. In 2006, Simon was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable in Merseyside Police.
Promotion to Deputy Chief Constable in Greater Manchester Police in 2009 led to Simon dealing with a period of intense scrutiny of the Force from the Police Regulator (HMIC). Simon led a relentless focus on crime reduction which turned round Force performance and removed the Force from the threat of intervention from the Home Office. He also co-ordinated a widespread programme of cost cutting and organisational change delivering a leaner yet more effective force.
A further promotion to Assistant Commissioner in the Met in 2011 saw him in charge of the biggest operational command in the Country running day to day policing across London's 32 boroughs. He has also chaired the Pan-London Criminal Justice Board leading sector wide improvements for victims and witnesses.
