South Yorkshire's new top cop to start work Monday

Durham Constabulary Deputy Chief Con Stephen Watson, who was not due to move to the county until November,  will take up the post as interim chief constable from Monday, July 25.

A secondment agreement between Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner and Durham Constabulary, Chief Con Mike Barton has made the move possible.

It follows the findings of the Peer Review — ordered by Dr Billings which assessed the force’s operational and organisational capability and capacity following the suspension of former Chief Constable David Crompton, over his handling of the Hillsborough Disaster inquests.

A team of 22 experts carried out the review and found that decision making was isolated, staff were not being listened to and action was not always being taken on agreed plans.

Dr Billings said: “I am very grateful that Durham Constabulary has agreed to release Mr Watson early to allow him to take over the reins in South Yorkshire from next Monday. “This move will enable South Yorkshire Police to immediately begin to take forward the recommendations from the recent Peer Review and to continue the work already started, under Interim Chief Constable Jones, to restore public trust and confidence in the force.

“The last few months have been very turbulent for South Yorkshire Police and, whilst there has been considerable progress made, the force still has a long way to go to establish stability. Interim Chief Constable Watson will be responsible for leading the force forward through transformational change and will be working closely with our public, partners and staff, against a backdrop of continued budget pressures and scrutiny."

Interim Chief Constable Stephen Watson said: “I am very much looking forward to moving to South Yorkshire and assuming the role with immediate effect. I have received detailed briefings from both Dr Billings and Chief Con Dave Jones on the Peer Review findings and on other key areas and I completely understand the scale of the job that needs to be done. However, I am in no doubt that the officers and staff within South Yorkshire Police are hard working, dedicated and ready to support the Senior Leadership Group to make the necessary changes to ensure that the Force is one that the public of South Yorkshire can be proud of.

“Trust and confidence are at the forefront of my agenda and I intend to spend time with officers in all areas of the force and to actively engage with the public and partners. I want to ensure that the people of South Yorkshire are proud of their force and that our dedicated staff are proud to work for South Yorkshire Police. I know everyone is eager to move forward and I am confident I can offer the leadership to do so.”