“During the last couple of months, South Yorkshire Police have seen a number of changes and appointments in the Senior Leadership Group.

“I appointed Stephen Watson as Chief Constable during the summer of 2016 and he took up the post in December.  Since his arrival at South Yorkshire Police, Chief Constable Watson has been busy recruiting and establishing his management team.

“Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts comes from Cheshire Police and brings with him a wealth of experience in public order and firearms.  Mark is the national lead for football policing.  He has also acted as Head of Investigations at the North West Counter Terrorism Unit.

“Three Assistant Chief Constables (ACC) have been newly recruited.  Two are from other forces – ACC Tim Forber from Greater Manchester Police and ACC Lauren Poultney from Humberside. The third is ACC David Hartley who was latterly the Sheffield Commander.  Mr Hartley has been with South Yorkshire Police for 26 years and has worked in Barnsley, Rotherham and Sheffield Districts.  ACC Hartley is tasked with restoring Neighbourhood policing.

“I therefore welcome the new management team and look forward to working with them over the coming years.”