Surrey Police has appointed a new Assistant Chief Constable (ACC).

Gavin Stephens, who has been in the post temporarily since May this year, will have responsibility for overseeing local policing across the county.

Born and bred in Hartlepool, Mr Stephens studied Engineering at the University of Cambridge and then joined Cambridgeshire Constabulary. He moved to Surrey Police in 1996, initially based in East Surrey. Mr Stephens has national policing experience, having supported the roll-out of neighbourhood policing across England and Wales. He has since worked in Serious and Organised Crime, Professional Standards, and most recently, headed up the Neighbourhood Policing Command in Surrey.

Mr Stephens said: "I'm bursting with pride to be appointed as ACC. “Having policed and lived in Surrey since 1996, I'm genuinely delighted to be able to continue to provide public service to communities in the county, and work with so many wonderful colleagues.”

Chief Constable Lynne Owens said: "I am delighted that Gavin has been successful in the selection process. “He brings a wealth of experience from within Surrey Police and his background and passion for local policing means he is the ideal person for the ACC role overseeing our three divisions.”

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Kevin Hurley, said: "I am extremely pleased that Gavin Stephens has been chosen as Assistant Chief Constable responsible for Surrey's visible street policing. “I am confident his leadership qualities and commitment will be invaluable in keeping the people of Surrey safe from harm."