Hertfordshire Constabulary has announced its new Assistant Chief Constable.

Michelle Dunn, former Essex Police Chief Superintendent, was given the role after being put through a rigorous selection process.

The interview panel included Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, Bedfordshire Chief Constable Colette Paul, Cambridgeshire Deputy Chief Constable Alec Wood and Andy Bliss, Chief Constable for Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Commissioner Lloyd said: “This is an important role and I am delighted that a candidate of Michelle’s quality has applied and been appointed. Greater collaboration will allow police and crime commissioners the opportunity to deliver local policing even more effectively.”

The new assistant chief constable's role will involve leading the three-force operational support project for the strategic alliance, which will look at how the three forces will deliver call handling , custody arrangements and criminal justice and will impact upon more than 600 police officers and staff.

Dunn said: “I am absolutely delighted to take up this role working for three excellent forces. I am looking forward to what I know will be a challenging role bringing together some really important elements of policing that have a direct impact on the public and the service we provide. I am committed to working with officers and police staff from all three counties in the months ahead as the plans begins to take shape.”