The current deputy chief of Lancashire Police is to become the new head police officer for the county.
Sacha Hatchett has been announced as the new Chief Constable.
She will step into the role due to be vacated by Chris Rowley when he retires in the Spring.
Read more: Signature Group behind failed Shankly Hotel investigated for £140m property fraud
Current deputy chief constable Hatchett said: “I am delighted to have been named as Lancashire Constabulary’s new Chief Constable.
“This is a challenging and exciting role and I am passionate about delivering the best possible service to our communities and to victims of crime.
“I believe strongly in the value policing brings to our county – keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice and reducing offending.
“I want to build on the fantastic work by Chris Rowley and Andrew Snowden, which has been developed over several years, as well as working closely with the Chief Officer Team, focusing on our key priorities.
“This is undoubtedly the proudest moment of my career and I look forward to continuing to serve and support the officers, staff and communities of Lancashire.”
Andrew Snowden said: “I’m delighted to announce I have selected Sacha Hatchett as the new Chief Constable for Lancashire Constabulary.
“Sacha is a highly competent leader, experienced in operational command as well as strategic leadership, who leads from the front and above all shares my determination and passion to see criminals brought to justice, more visible policing on our streets and the highest professional standards upheld.
“I want Lancashire to have a reputation as the most pro-active, crime fighting force in the Country that relentlessly takes the fight to criminals, and over her career and her time in Lancashire, Sacha has proven that she knows how to step up these efforts.
“I am confident she can keep up the momentum and build on the foundations that we have already laid to deliver on the priorities set out in my Fighting Crime Plan. This includes a highly visible presence on our streets, with Officers who are seen as figures of authority and respect – ultimately reducing the number of victims, making people feel safer and improving public confidence.
“I am confident that Sacha will make an outstanding Chief Constable.”
Read more: Lancashire Police’s Chief Constable Chris Rowley to retire in March 2024
Starting out in policing in February 1997, Sacha has worked in Lancashire, North Wales and Cheshire during her career.
She has over six years of experience in the highest command ranks of assistant chief constable and above and joined Lancashire Police in 2021.
During her time as deputy chief constable she’s been responsible for creating the anti-social behaviour unit, roads policing and rural crime teams.
She’s also overseen the new rape and serious sexual assault units and expanded neighbourhood teams.
A hearing of the Lancashire Police and Crime Panel during March will formally confirm Sacha Hatchett to the role.
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines