The Chief Constable of Northumbria Police has announced his retirement.
Chief Constable Winton Keenen QPM, who is now in his 38th year of policing service, will leave next March. The entirety of Mr Keenen's career has been served with the force.
He said: "It has been my absolute privilege to serve as the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police and to have worked alongside so many dedicated and selfless people, who consistently make the lives of others far better than they would otherwise be. As a Northumbria officer my whole policing career, holding the position as Chief Constable of my home force has truly been an honour.
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"As I approach leaving the force, I remain absolutely certain, despite its many challenges, there is no more worthwhile vocation than policing and no better place to practise it than here in Northumbria. This amazing region of ours is such a fantastic place to live, work and visit and I feel it is now the right time to hand over to someone who can bring fresh ideas to help make it even better."
Chief Constable Keenen will leave after overseeing a recent inspection by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) which saw the force congratulated on their performance in seven areas, though the service was told that it must improve the time it takes to answer emergency calls and reduce the number of non-emergency calls that are abandoned - something that there has been a "relentless focus" on since.
Chief Constable Keenen added: "I am pleased to be leaving the force in such a strong position. I am sure the incoming Chief Constable will relish the opportunity of working amongst the fantastic communities we are so privileged to serve and be a part of here in the North East.
"As well as those I have been fortunate to work alongside directly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank some of the most important people in any policing equation, our local communities, for the unerring support they have always given to the force and to me personally. When we all work together we create an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference – and when I joined the police that was all I ever wanted to do and there has never been any better place to seek to do so than here."
Chief Constable Keenen intends to stay in his post until March 2023 with the aim of ensuring as smooth a transition as possible.
The recruitment process for the new Chief Constable will be led by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, who said: "I want to thank Winton for his incredible contribution to Northumbria Police, not only for his leadership but for his entire career dedicated to public service and keeping the people of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear safe.
"It's been a real privilege to work alongside such a respected and experienced officer and particularly someone who shares a passion for our region and its people. Together we have delivered on strong ambitions for the force and I am proud of everything that has been achieved in fighting and preventing crime in our region.
"He signs off as Chief leaving Northumbria on a positive path, for which I am grateful. I'm very sorry to see him leave and wish him the very best for the future and I look forward to building on his legacy with a new Chief Constable."
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