Derbyshire’s new Chief Constable to be officer who led Toddbrook Reservoir emergency response

Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Hardyal Dhindsa has announced Rachel Swann as his preferred candidate to be the county’s new Chief Constable.

MORE: Derbyshire police chief comments as new face covering rules come into force

She is currently Deputy Chief Constable and her appointment as Chief Constable will now be subject to a confirmation hearing by Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Panel.

Mr Dhindsa said: “The selection process has been extremely challenging and it has been difficult to choose between such high-calibre candidates.

“However, Rachel’s depth of experience and proven leadership will ensure Derbyshire Constabulary continues to go from strength to strength in the future and I look forward to working with her in her new role.

"I would like to congratulate her on her success during what was a rigorous recruitment process.”

Ms Swann led the response to the Toddbrook Reservoir emergency in Whaley Bridge last August.

More than 1,500 residents in the town had to leave their homes for several days over fears the dam could collapse.

Ms Swann said: “I’m absolutely delighted and feel extremely privileged to be the preferred candidate the post of Chief Constable.

"Derbyshire Constabulary is a really good force with great people working in it and I look forward to working with the PCC to deliver a good level of service to our communities.”

Ms Swann will take over from Peter Goodman, who is retiring after a 32-year career in policing.

MORE: Footpaths around Toddbrook Reservoir in Whaley Bridge set to reopen as temporary repair project nears completion

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor