Leading candidate revealed for chief constable job
Essex PoliceA high-ranking police officer has been lined up for the top job in a neighbouring county.
Andy Prophet, the deputy chief constable at Essex Police, has been announced as the preferred candidate for chief constable at Hertfordshire.
If he passes a final panel meeting and vetting process, he will take up the role in the new year.
It was an "honour" to have been selected, Mr Prophet said.
"I have been impressed by the energy and passion of everyone I have spoken to in the constabulary," he said.
"I am looking forward to working alongside all the officers, staff and volunteers, building on strong relationships with our partners, and enhancing the policing we provide for communities across Hertfordshire."
He is also the National Police Chief Council (NPCC) lead for tackling anti-social behaviour.
Mr Prophet has worked in the force for 28 years, spending the first 10 years of his career working as a patrol constable and then a response team and custody sergeant.
Jonathan Ash-Edwards, the Conservative police and crime commissioner for Hertfordshire, said there was a "very strong calibre" of applicants.
The recruitment process has been taking place over the past four months, after current Chief Constable Charlie Hall announced his retirement.
Amy Holmes/BBC"Mr Prophet has already made an excellent contribution to policing in his current roles and, throughout the process, demonstrated the qualities that I was looking for," said Ash-Edwards.
The final appointment will be subject to a confirmation meeting of the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Panel on Thursday and satisfactory vetting checks.
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