County's new top cop confirmed (From Daily Echo)

Andy Marsh appointed chief constable of Hampshire Constabulary

12:10am Thursday 31st January 2013 in News By Jenny Makin , Crime Reporter

HE was the man tipped for the top job - and now it's official.

Hampshire now has a new chief constable who will take up the helm of running the county's police force next week.

Andy Marsh, the current deputy chief constable, was appointed unanimously by the county's new police and crime panel as the best man to replace the existing police boss Alex Marshall who is leaving the force to become the head of the new national college of policing.

Speaking of his appointment, Mr Marsh said: "Hampshire Constabulary has made significant changes and proven highly effective at tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and safeguarding the public under the leadership of Alex Marshall.

"It is a real privilege to have the opportunity to continue to progress that great work, and I look forward to working with the PCC in building and developing a policing service that focuses on the needs of all those within our communities.”

As reported on Tuesday, Mr Marsh, 46, was the favoured candidate by the Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes after he excelled in all parts of his interviews.

He was then put before the panel and publicly interviewed for the role during which he said he wanted to be at the heart of a truthful organisation the public could trust in light of national scandals surrounding Leveson, Hillsborough and the plebgate debacle.

More crime stories

• Jogger cautioned after attack on teen girl
• Reward offered for return of stolen dogs
• Hunt for burglars targeting community
• Gang leave victim with facial injury after surprise attack
• Road hold ups after thieves steal traffic light batteries
• £1,000 seized by court over 'sham marriage' allegation
• Victim beaten during violent robbery
• £49,000 burglary at Hampshire home