HERTFORDSHIRE Police Authority announced today (Friday) that a copper with a “wealth of experience” has been appointed as their new deputy chief constable.

Heather Valentine will be the new number two having worked in the force for the last 31 years.

Confirming her appointment, chairman of the Police Authority, Stuart Nagler, said: “Heather has proven her ability to lead officers and staff through extremely difficult periods of change and her skills, knowledge and strengths will prove invaluable as we face the challenging times ahead.

“I am delighted that she will continue as a key member of our Chief Officer team, which will continue to benefit from the wealth of experience Heather has gained with both the Met and with Hertfordshire.”

Heather joining the county’s force as Assistant Chief Constable in 2007, having previously spent 28 years with the Metropolitan Police Service. More recently she has been Temporary Deputy Chief Constable following Simon Parr’s move to Cambridgeshire.

Heather, who lives in Harrow and has two teenage sons, said: “I have spent three and half incredibly happy and productive years with Hertfordshire Constabulary.

“We have started an important programme of change and I am honoured to be able to carry this work on as the Deputy Chief Constable.

“We are at a critical point of this programme of change and I look forward to continuing this work producing positive outcomes for members of the public.”

Heather is currently leading on ‘Project 2015’ which aims to identify and implement efficiency savings throughout the force in preparation for the �36m funding cut over the next four years.

In addition, she is the lead for performance and quality of service, legal services and all 24 hour response.