SURREY Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Kevin Hurley has begun the recruitment process to appoint Surrey’s next chief constable.

The county’s police force has been without a permanent chief constable following Lynne Owens’ departure to become director general of the National Crime Agency in January.

Applications are sought from qualified candidates “committed to continuing to drive down crime, enhancing services for victims, increasing police visibility and tackling new and emerging operational challenges”.

The appointment of a chief constable is the one of the key responsibilities for a Police and Crime Commissioner. 

The closing date for applications is April 29, with interviews and an appointment scheduled to take place after the forthcoming PCC elections on May 5 - as promised by Surrey’s reigning independent PCC Mr Hurley last December.

In the meantime, Surrey’s deputy chief constable Nick Ephgrave will continue to serve as temporary chief constable.

Mr Hurley said: “In the interests of democracy and fairness to whomever the PCC may be post-May, I have decided that the short-listing and selection of candidates should take place after the PCC elections.

“However, given the critical importance of the role, it is sensible to ensure that the appointment can be made as swiftly after the elections as possible.

“Surrey Police needs the very best person to lead the force through a period of significant change in a climate of financial challenge and I welcome applications from people with a real passion for policing.

“Until such point as this process is finalised, I have every confidence in Nick Ephgrave’s ability as temporary chief constable.”

The delay in appointing Ms Owens’ successor has left Surrey Police without a permanent chief at a time when it is facing severe budget pressures as well as criticism by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).

In February, Surrey Police was one of 18 forces in England and Wales told it “requires improvement” by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) in how it investigates crime and manages offenders, and also in the way it tackles serious and organised crime.

Last December, HMIC also rated Surrey inadequate at protecting the vulnerable from harm and supporting victims, prompting Mr Hurley to controversially declare he would have dismissed the outgoing chief constable Ms Owens had she not departed by her own volition.

The new chief constable will be tasked with delivering the improvements demanded by HMIC, as well as continuing the roll-out of Surrey Police’s new Policing in Your Neighbourhood model set to be launched this month.