14 June 2010
New Top Cops for South Wales
South Wales Police has two new Chief Police Officers, following the appointment of Matt Jukes and Julian Kirby as new Assistant Chief Constables.
Matt Jukes, 37, will transfer to South Wales from South Yorkshire Police, where he has previously been borough commander for Rotherham and Director of Intelligence.
Mr Jukes joined the police service in 1995 and has risen through the ranks swiftly. As well as being a borough commander, he has wide experience in relation to counter-terrorism and policing critical incidents.
Speaking of his appointment, Mr Jukes said: “I am over the moon to be joining South Wales Police. With its villages and valleys, and two major cities, including the nation’s capital – it really does have everything. As one of the fastest developing forces in the UK, South Wales has taken on all the challenges policing today poses and turned them into successes. I am delighted that I now have the opportunity to continue that work as part of the team.
"I look forward to drawing on my experiences of policing as I arrive in my new post. South Yorkshire is also an area with a heritage of coal and steel industries, so South Wales already feels very familiar. I hope that my work on serious crime and terrorism will enable me to ensure that our communities are kept safe from these threats. It's the safety of every citizen which is at the heart of what I want to achieve in the force.
"I've been working in South Wales on secondment for a couple of months already and my family are equally excited by the move - not least my youngest daughter, who has become addicted to Welsh cakes! My mother-in-law, Anwyl, is equally pleased - as her roots are local and we can expect plenty of visits as the family start our new life here".
Julian Kirby, 48, joins South Wales from Wiltshire Police, leaving his post as divisional commander for the county, where he had responsibility for nearly 900 staff, operating from 20 stations.
Mr Kirby has been a police officer for 23 years. Prior to being a divisional commander, he was Head of Force Operations for Wiltshire Police, which included leading on various policing services, such as the local response to the London terrorist bombings.
Mr Kirby said: “I feel delighted and privileged to be joining South Wales Police. It is a Force that is recognised nationally as one that is going from strength to strength. I will be paying particular attention, with my colleagues, to continue to drive down still further crime and anti social behaviour. I am a passionate believer in actively involving the community in local policing and will look to build on the excellent work already being carried out.”
The appointments, made by the Police Authority, are due to the promotion of Colette Paul to Deputy Chief Constable for South Wales, and the retirement of Dave Morris.
Chair of the Police Authority, Councillor Russell Roberts, said: “We are very pleased to appoint Matt and Julian as the new Assistant Chief Constables for South Wales. The positions are very demanding and require people with experience, knowledge and outstanding skills. I believe we have found that in these two excellent appointments.
“Appointing Chief Police Officers is one of the most important roles for a Police Authority. We have been very fortunate to have had an incredibly high calibre of candidates, which is testament to how South Wales is seen nationally, particularly our top officers Peter Vaughan and Colette Paul.”
The new officers will take up their positions in the summer.