THE Deputy Chief Constable of North Yorkshire, Roger Baker, has been appointed as the new Chief Constable of Essex Police.

Mr Baker, 46, will take up the post on July 1.

Current Chief Constable David Stevens will continue in the role until June 30, when his contract ends.

Essex Police Authority chairman Robert Chambers said: "We had a difficult decision because the quality of all the candidates was very high. However I believe we have found a new Chief Constable who will build on the excellent work of Mr Stevens.

"He will encourage the force to deliver the best possible service to the people of Essex, and provide reassurance to the community by bringing his own ideas to the role.

"Mr Baker's track record is second to none and we are very much looking forward to working with him in the future."

Mr Baker described his appointment as "the proudest moment" of his policing career.

He added: "I'm looking forward to serving the people of Essex and building on the excellent work that has already been achieved.

"Essex has set an excellent standard for delivering policing services and I cannot wait to start working with the police authority and the force to deliver the best services for the community.

"I will strive to keep crime rates down, increase visible policing, reduce anti-social behaviour and improve contact with the public."

Mr Baker joined the Derbyshire Constabulary in 1977 and progressed through the ranks to Chief Superintendent. He was appointed Assistant Chief Constable with Staffordshire Police in February 2001, before joining North Yorkshire as Deputy Chief Constable, a post he has held for 19 months.