A SENIOR police officer from a neighbouring force has joined Gloucestershire Constabulary. 

Katy Barrow-Grint from Thames Valley Police has been named as Gloucestershire's new interim deputy chief constable. 

DCC Barrow-Grint has a wealth of experience having served for more than two decades and most recently led Thames Valley's work on tackling violence against women and girls. 

Upon being selected, DCC Barrow-Grint said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Gloucestershire Constabulary as the interim deputy chief constable.

“Having spent lots of my life visiting family in the county, I know what a brilliant place it is and I am privileged to now be able to become part of the policing family serving its residents.

“I look forward to meeting my new colleagues and getting out into the communities of Gloucestershire over the coming weeks.”

DCC Barrow-Grint will start on November 11 but her appointment is currently on an interim basis and an advert to recruit a permanent Deputy Chief Constable will be posted soon.

Interim chief constable Maggie Blyth said: “The post of deputy chief constable is a pivotal one, overseeing performance improvement, planning, financial management, conduct and disciplinary issues. 

"The deputy also has a leading role to play in managing risk, maintaining standards and promoting the code of ethics.

“The position has been vacant since January with the DCC’s responsibilities divided up between other chief officers and filling the vacancy was one of my first priorities when I started.

“The appointment of an interim DCC will further provide the organisation with stability and ensure we meet our statutory remit.

"I am confident this decisive action will consolidate the excellent executive leadership team already in place and provide reassurance to the communities we serve.”