CC to retire

North Wales Police Chief Constable Mark Polin is to retire in July.

Chief Constable Polin has been a police officer for more than three decades, including nearly nine years as Chief Constable of North Wales Police.

He will leave his post in effect from late July to take up the role of Chairman of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board at the start of September.

He said: "I feel very fortunate to have led North Wales Police for close on nine years and I can honestly say I have enjoyed every day. It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside such professional, committed and skilled members of staff. Their resilience and understanding has been truly tremendous given the challenges we have tackled, not least in terms of pretty much continual change in the face of austerity and new demands and rising public expectations."

Mark started his career with the City of London Police where he worked up to the rank of Chief Inspector. In 1998 he transferred to Gwent Police as Superintendent in charge of various central operational functions, including the Force Control Room and the firearms, public order and traffic units. In December 1999, Mark was appointed as Chief Superintendent and Divisional Commander of Caerphilly Division, and in 2002 assumed responsibility for the Professional and Ethical Standards Department.

Before moving to North Wales as Chief Constable Mark was Deputy Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary.

In 2010 Mark received the Queen's Police Medal (QPM Award).

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard will be the Acting Chief Constable until a new Chief is appointed.

He will be supported by Assistant Chief Constable Richard Debicki who will become the Acting Deputy Chief Constable and Chief Superintendent Neill Anderson who will become the Acting Assistant Chief Constable.