THE Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police has retired from the force.

Dave Jones, who was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for distinguished service in the 2017 New Year Honours List, is stepping down after almost 32 years.

He was appointed to the post in 2013, having previously been at Greater Manchester Police, and also with the Police Service Northern Ireland, where he was Assistant Chief Constable.

He accepted an extension to his time with North Yorkshire Police in 2016 in order to provide continuity of leadership during a time of other retirements in the chief officer team.

During his time as Chief Constable, he has led North Yorkshire Police through a challenging period for policing, and ambitious change.

“I have been proud to serve the community for nearly 32 years, but it is now time to step back and be with my family," he said.

“I have always believed that neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of the police service, and that community approach is absolutely embedded at North Yorkshire Police. The force is also firmly on the road to a modernised service, with developments in mobile technology now rolling-out across the frontline, and more still to come."

He added that now was the right time for him to go, when policing in the county was about to start the next phase in its transformation.

“This seemed like the right time for me to hand over the baton to a new leader, who can take the service on this new stage of the journey," he said.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Julia Mulligan, said: “It was with great regret that I have accepted Dave Jones’ decision to retire, but I completely understand and respect his wish to spend more time with his family.

“I selected Dave Jones for the role of Chief Constable because of his impressive record of service in some of the most challenging environments in the UK, his clear determination, and his very deep commitment to community policing. He promised to be a formidable leader, and he has absolutely lived up to that promise. His personal leadership and commitment to North Yorkshire Police – and the wider police service – has been exceptional, and he has done a great job in very challenging times."

Mrs Mulligan added that Chief Con Jones was leaving with the respect and best wishes of his colleagues, and that the county would miss him.

In accordance with his wishes, Chief Con Jones left the force immediately. His current deputy, Lisa Winward, has taken over temporarily until a permanent Chief Constable is appointed.

Mrs Mulligan said a deputy would be appointed by the end of the month, while the recruitment process for a new Chief Constable would start as soon as possible.