Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and Clerk to the Panel that provided information on the process to be undertaken to hold a confirmation hearing for the proposed appointment to the role of Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary. The Panel also considered a report from the Police and Crime Commissioner that provided details of the proposed candidate (for copy see file of minutes).

The Police and Crime Commissioner formally introduced her preferred candidate, Mrs R Bacon for the appointment of Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary and presented her report which provided details of the robust recruitment process and Mrs R Bacon’s professional background.

The Panel then questioned Mrs R Bacon on the following issues:

·        The main areas of expertise that would enable her to undertake the role of Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary effectively;

·        Examples of how she had sought to reduce crime and increase detection rates;

·        What she considered to be the key policing issues within County Durham and Darlington;

·        Who she regarded as the Chief Constable’s key stakeholders;

·        Examples of how she had worked successfully with a range of organisations, partnerships and agencies;

·        Examples of when her personal independence had been put to the test and how she dealt with the situation.

Mrs R Bacon provided comprehensive responses to questions from the Panel.  The Chair then thanked Mrs R Bacon and the Police and Crime Commissioner for their attendance and informed them that they would be notified of the Panel’s decision in due course.