Advert goes out for new Chief Constable for South Yorkshire Police

An advert has gone out for a new Chief Constable for South Yorkshire Police - with the post described as 'challenging'.
David CromptonDavid Crompton
David Crompton

South Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, has advertised the £150,000-a-year post on his website and calls for 'an exceptional individual to lead the service in building public trust and confidence'.

The force is currently being led by interim Chief Constable Dave Jones, from North Yorkshire Police, following the suspension of David Crompton at the conclusion of the Hillsborough disaster inquests.

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Mr Crompton faced a wave of public anger for the stance South Yorkshire Police took during the inquests - mounting a defence that families of the 96 victims felt smeared Liverpool fans.

It was felt to contradict the apology for the disaster that the force issued in 2012.

Mr Crompton, who was due to retire in November, was initially replaced by his deputy - Dawn Copley - but she stepped down after 24 hours when it emerged that she is the subject of an internal investigation by Greater Manchester Police, where she used to work.

Commissioner Alan Billings, who oversees recruitment, says in the job advert: "You will not need me to tell you that this is a challenging post and needs, therefore, an exceptional individual to lead the service in building public trust and confidence."

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He said the new police chief will be expected to 'make South Yorkshire a safe place for people to live, learn and work by prioritising the protection of vulnerable people, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and enabling fair treatment'.

Commissioner Billings added: "I recognise that delivering these priorities would be extremely challenging in any police area in the present climate of financial reductions across the public sector. But it is especially demanding in South Yorkshire given our unique legacy issues.

"It is imperative that a new Chief Constable recognises these challenges and is able to work effectively and collaboratively with a new senior leadership team, with the police workforce and other policing and crime stakeholders, and in partnership with the people in our local communities.

"The next Chief Constable must be able to transform South Yorkshire Police and lead fundamental change in organisational culture and service provision."

The advert says the successful candidate should have a track record of 'ethically-based decision making'.