Lancashire's top cop has announced his retirement.
Chief Constable Chris Rowley will leave policing at the end of March after three years in the post as head of Lancashire Constabulary.
The 54-year-old has spent 31 years on the force working across the North.
He joined Lancashire Police as chief constable in April 2021 on promotion from the deputy's job in Humberside, following the retirement of his predecessor Andy Rhodes, a former divisional commander for East Lancashire.
His deputy Sacha Hatchett will exercise all the functions of chief constable until a successor is appointed.
Chief Constable Rowley, who spent most of his career in West Yorkshire and is also the national lead for police wellbeing, said: "Becoming the chief constable of Lancashire was the pinnacle of my career and an absolute honour.
"Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to work with outstanding police officers, police staff, partners and communities.
“The decision to retire has been difficult, but I feel now is the right time to hand the force over to the next person, who will no doubt work tirelessly with the police and crime commissioner to continue to reduce crime and make Lancashire a safe place to live, work and visit.”
Lancashire police and crime commissioner, Andrew Snowden, said "First and foremost I would like to thank Chris Rowley for everything he has achieved and delivered as chief constable of Lancashire Constabulary.
"He has driven forward the fighting crime plan I launched in 2021, with determination, vigour and professionalism.
“Through his focus on fighting crime and protecting people - improving the service the public receive, working across the criminal justice sector to improve prosecution rates and ensuring local community policing is rebuilt and more visible – crime has significantly fallen in our county and Lancashire is a safer place thanks to Chris' leadership.
"As chief constable, Chris has put in place the building blocks that myself and the public want to see – to ensure Lancashire is a force that relentlessly pursues criminals, has an increasingly visible presence in our neighbourhoods, and has high standards of professionalism.
“I will be seeking to appoint a new chief constable to take forward this mission and the advert and job pack for those suitable and interested in the role will shortly be released, on Friday, January 5."
Applications close on Thursday, February 8.
The new chief constable is expected to take up the job in the summer for a fixed term post lasting five years.
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