The new Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police says she is confident the force can meet the challenges it faces in the future.
Jane Sawyers was officially appointed to the post after the county’s Police and Crime Panel gave their backing.
She admitted that the force needed to tackle some difficult decisions, but believes it is capable of continuing to keep communities safe.
“As well as facing financial challenges, the nature and complexity of crime is changing and I am determined to make sure the force remains in a position to effectively respond to these challenges,” she said.
“I am also excited by the opportunities ahead. I am committed to protecting and improving the frontline and our developments in digital policing will see neighbourhood policing officers freed up to spend more time in the communities they serve.
“I am delighted and honoured to be appointed as Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police. I have worked my entire career in Staffordshire and am dedicated to serving the people of the county.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis had chosen Mrs Sawyers for the role and she will now begin a three-year term in her post having been in place temporarily since August.
“Jane has performed well as interim Chief Constable,” Mr Ellis said. “It is clear to me she has the attributes needed to be an effective Chief Constable, particularly at a time of such fast-moving change in Staffordshire Police.
“It is also a tremendous bonus that we have established a good and effective working relationship with broad agreement on how we want to see policing evolve and improve.
“Staffordshire is in a strong position, possibly best placed nationally, for the future and strong leadership will continue to be needed operationally within the police here to deliver the game-changing level of transformation that we have set out over the next few years.
“Jane is the right person to do that and I am pleased that the Police and Crime Panel gave their backing when we met.”
