Gwent Police has appointed Craig Guildford as its new Deputy Chief Constable (DCC).
DCC Guildford, who took up his post on April 22, joined Cheshire Constabulary in 1994 after completing a Geography degree while also working as a volunteer Special Constable.
He worked as a uniformed officer, a detective, and was seconded to the National Crime Squad in 2000.
He progressed through the ranks in Cheshire before being appointed as Assistant Chief Constable, Specialist Operations with West Yorkshire Police in October 2012.
DCC Guildford said: “I am honoured to be appointed to this important role, and am delighted to move to Gwent.
“I will repay the faith shown in me by working hard to help deliver a Police Service which focuses on victims and does all it can to prevent crime and bring those who commit crime to justice.
“So far I have been very impressed with the can-do attitude of officers and staff I have met, and look forward to getting to know more staff and officers over the coming weeks and months.”
Chief Constable Jeff Farrar welcomed Mr Guildford to the role, saying: “Craig is a highly skilled and experienced police officer, and he was appointed following a rigorous and competitive recruitment process.
“Throughout his career Craig has proved himself to be a committed, dedicated and highly professional police officer. I very much looking forward to working with him, and on behalf of the Force I warmly welcome him to Gwent.”
Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston added: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to DCC Guildford to Gwent.
“In Craig I believe we have found the right person for the job and I am confident he will serve the people of Gwent with distinction.
“Having worked in a number of pro-active crime units at all levels during his career, Craig brings with him a wealth of experience and a detailed understanding of various operational and crime roles within the police.”