UK’s only female metropolitan chief constable appointed

Summary of story from The Newcastle Chronicle, April 22, 2011

Northumbria Police Force have confirmed that Sue Sim is to be the force’s new chief constable.

The Home Office had to bend the rules to allow her appointment as she has previously held the position of assistant chief constable and deputy chief constable.

Normally any one individual is barred from holding all three positions so that one single person does not have too much power.

Northumbria Police Authority pleaded with the government to allow the Sue to be promoted into the position after a long career.

Mike Henry, its chair said “We know Sue Sim is a highly capable, widely respected and experienced police officer, and her obvious skills and expertise will enable us to face the challenges ahead, while still fighting crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour.”

Sue, who said last month it was her greatest wish to become the chief constable of Northumbria, is now the UK’s only female Chief Constable of a Metropolitan Police Force.

She will have to preside over the force as it goes through a tough austerity drive which will mean the loss of 1100 jobs following government cuts of £57 million.

She said “I am very proud and honoured to have been chosen.

Northumbria Police is one of the best performing forces in the country, and I am determined we will continue to reduce crime and protect police services that local communities across Northumbria want, despite the tough financial cuts.”