Sacha Hatchett appointed Lancashire Police chief constable

The current assistant chief constable said she was "delighted" to take on the "challenging and exciting role"

Sacha Hatchett has been confirmed as the new chief constable of Lancashire Police.

The current assistant chief constable, she will take over from Chris Rowley who announced he is to retire in March after 31 years in policing.

After joining the police in February 1997, Ms Hatchett has worked in different roles across Lancashire, North Wales and Cheshire.

She said she was "delighted" to take on the "challenging and exciting role".

Ms Hatchett was chosen by Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden following a "vigorous process".

She joined Lancashire Police in 2021 after serving as assistant chief constable for North Wales Police' where she was responsible for the force's operations targeting and dealing with crime.

'Passionate'

Mr Snowden said: "Sacha is a highly competent leader, experienced in operational command as well as strategic leadership, who leads from the front and above all shares my determination and passion to see criminals brought to justice, more visible policing on our streets and the highest professional standards upheld.

"I want Lancashire to have a reputation as the most pro-active, crime fighting force in the country that relentlessly takes the fight to criminals, and over her career and her time in Lancashire, Sacha has proven that she knows how to step up these efforts."

Ms Hatchett said she is "passionate about delivering the best possible service to our communities and to victims of crime".

She added: "I believe strongly in the value policing brings to our county - keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice and reducing offending.

"This is undoubtedly the proudest moment of my career and I look forward to continuing to serve and support the officers, staff and communities of Lancashire."

The post is subject to a confirmation hearing by the Lancashire Police and Crime Panel next month.