HUNTINGDONSHIRE has its third chief inspector in less than two years as Laura Hunt takes over as the district’s top police officer.

Chief Inspector Hunt has been appointed area commander after Melanie Dales, who led Huntingdonshire’s policing team from January until the beginning of this month, was promoted to superintendent in charge of strategy and performance.

At the top of Chief Insp Hunt’s priorities are continuing the work that has seen crime in the district fall, putting continued pressure on criminals and bringing them before the courts, and working with communities to deal with any problems.

She said she would be meeting her new team, partner agencies and community members to get a detailed insight on the issues affecting Huntingdonshire.

Chief Insp Hunt, who has 19 years’ experience in uniform roles, said: “I am very much looking forward to building on the good work of my predecessors and continuing to work with my colleagues, partners and community members to create a safer Huntingdonshire.

“I last worked in Huntingdonshire in 2008. To return to the district in which I live and of which I am so fond as the area commander is a source of great pride.

“My focus is to continue to use all of the tactics available to ensure we target criminals in Huntingdonshire while reducing crime.

“Key to all of this work is a locally focused policing team, close partnership work and a good understanding of the key concerns and wishes of the local community.”

Chief Insp Hunt’s last role was in charge of Cambridgeshire’s custody suites. Her previous roles with the force include time as the head of learning and development, chief inspector for operations and communities, and running the policing operation for last year’s Strawberry Fair in Cambridge.

In January Supt Dales took over from Chris Mead and was also promoted to superintendent, his responsibility was for the police control room.