The new Chief Constable of Hertfordshire has been confirmed as Andy Prophet.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards has now appointed his preferred candidate to the role and he is due to start next month.

Mr Prophet, who is currently Deputy Chief Constable in Essex, will replace Charlie Hall who is retiring.

Mr Prophet's selection was confirmed after a statutory meeting of the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Panel last Thursday unanimously supported the recommendation.

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said:   

"I am pleased to confirm Andy Prophet as the new Chief Constable of Hertfordshire.

"I want to congratulate Mr Prophet on securing the position against the very high calibre of applicants I received for the job. I am confident our new Chief Constable is going to bring huge benefits to policing in Hertfordshire which will be welcomed by the public, as well as police officers and staff.

"At the beginning of next year I will be publishing my first Police and Crime Plan which sets out the strategic policing priorities on which I hold the Chief Constable to account.

"One of the core areas this will focus on is police visibility and strengthening local policing to keep Hertfordshire safe.

"I believe Mr Prophet shares my passion and dedication to ensure that the constabulary are delivering the best possible service for the people of Hertfordshire."

"I look forward to welcoming him to Hertfordshire in January and many successful years of working hard to make Hertfordshire even safer." 

 Mr Prophet said: "I am honoured and privileged to have been confirmed as the new Chief Constable. I can't wait to get started in the New Year and to meet all the officers and staff of the constabulary. My aim to ensure we are all working tirelessly to serve our communities across the county."

"I look forward to joining the commissioner and partners to improve community safety and the quality of life for local residents."

Mr Prophet is due to take up the Chief Constable role in January 2025.