A NEW temporary second-in-command has been appointed at Gloucestershire Constabulary.

The county’s current assistant chief constable for Tri-force, Jon Stratford, has been appointed to the role for 12 months, in line with the assignment of Rod Hansen as temporary chief constable.

In his current role, Mr Stratford is responsible for the provision of specialist operational support and major crime investigation across the Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset force areas.

Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, who is retiring later this month, said: "Jon's depth of experience in policing generally, and our belief that he will provide inspiring leadership and help deliver lasting transformational change made him the right candidate for the job."

Before joining Gloucestershire, he served as assistant chief constable with South Wales Police, leading its specialist operations, specialist crime, professional standards, criminal justice and communications departments.

Mr Stratford is also the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for integrated offender management.

A former British Army officer and graduate of Leicester Polytechnic, Mr Stratford began his policing career in South Bristol with Avon and Somerset Constabulary in 1992.

He went on to serve in a variety of operational roles in Bath, Bristol and rural Somerset before becoming the policing commander for Bristol.

Mr Stratford said: "I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to serve with Gloucestershire Constabulary in this way.

"It is a fabulous force that in recent years has proved its ability to drive down crime and drive up confidence and satisfaction.

"I'm looking forward to working with the police and crime commissioner, the chief constable and officers and staff at all levels to ensure our force goes from strength to strength."