After more than 31 years in policing, the Chief Constable of Lancashire police Chris Rowley has announced his intention to retire from policing at the end of March.
Mr Rowley joined Lancashire Constabulary in April 2021 on promotion from Humberside Police, having spent all of his previous career in West Yorkshire.
As well as serving as Lancashire's Chief Constable, he is also the national lead for police wellbeing.
Commenting on his announcement, Chief Constable Rowley said: "Becoming the Chief Constable of Lancashire was the pinnacle of my career and an absolute honour. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to work with outstanding police officers, police staff, partners and communities.
"The decision to retire has been difficult, but I feel now is the right time to hand the force over to the next person who will no doubt work tirelessly with the Police and Crime Commissioner to continue to reduce crime and make Lancashire a safe place to live, work and visit."
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden said: "First and foremost I would like to thank Chris Rowley for everything he has achieved and delivered as Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary. He has driven forward the Fighting Crime Plan I launched in 2021, with determination, vigour and professionalism.
"Through his focus on fighting crime and protecting people, improving the service the public receive, working across the criminal justice sector to improve prosecution rates and ensuring local community policing is rebuilt and more visible – crime has significantly fallen in our County and Lancashire is a safer place thanks to Chris' leadership."
Mr Snowden continued: "As Chief Constable, Chris has put in place the building blocks that myself and the public want to see – to ensure Lancashire is a Force that relentlessly pursues criminals, has an increasingly visible presence in our neighbourhoods, and has high standards of professionalism.
"I will be seeking to appoint a new Chief Constable to take forward this mission and the advert and job pack for those suitable and interested in the role will shortly be released, on Friday 5th January."
Praise for Lancaster and Morecambe youngsters who took part in 'tongue movement' project
Clinic where students offer free legal advice to reopen at Lancaster University
Lines reopen after train derailment on Scotland-London line
Police arrest two and seize illegal bike in Morecambe
ITV commissions sixth series of Morecambe crime drama The Bay
E-bike shop moves from Lancaster to new Carnforth showroom
Lancaster workshop to tackle the issue of drink and needle spiking
Morecambe raw feeds shop up for three 'Animal Star' awards
Two new festivals proposed for Morecambe entertainment venue the Platform
Second day of disruption as work continues after train derails in Cumbria
Morecambe lifeboat crew’s swift response rescues swimmer ‘being swept dangerously out to sea’
'Street Meets' announced to answer your questions amid new wheelie bin roll-out
Campaign group welcomes new "life changing" bus service to Morecambe
Lancaster prison worker jailed for drug offences
Major disruption as train derails on West Coast Main Line
Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"
Halloween What's On Guide
LISTEN: Launch of new group in Morecambe to help with gambling addiction
LISTEN: New centre for people with disabilities to open in historic Lancaster location
