Jeff Farrar confirmed as new Gwent Police Chief Constable

Jeff Farrar, who takes up his post with immediate effect, said: "I am delighted and deeply honoured that my recommendation to be Chief Constable by the Police and Crime Commissioner was endorsed by the Police and Crime Panel. I have immense pride in leading a Force that cares deeply about the service it delivers and is full of individuals who aspire to the highest standards of policing.

"I began my career as Police Constable some 29 years ago in Cardiff. My main motivation was a desire to help the most vulnerable in our society and to hold those responsible for committing crimes to account. This desire has underpinned my entire service across the various areas of policing I have worked. Now that I've been appointed Chief Constable this motivation is more important than ever.

"I don't for one minute underestimate the scale of the task ahead of me but I am confident that with my experience and with the support of the officers and staff we are very well placed to continue to deliver the caring and high quality of service that our communities have rightly come to expect.

"It's important that we get the bad guys off the streets, but we also need to listen and respond to the specific concerns of residents. "I want people to have confidence in Gwent Police whether they call for our service or not."

"Going forward my vision is that we continue to protect and reassure people, or in simple terms make people safe and feel safe."

Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston commented: "Having commended Jeff Farrar to the Police and Crime Panel, I am pleased that they have confirmed his appointment today. He has done a fantastic job as temporary Chief Constable and indeed throughout his time with Gwent Police has shown that he is a strong leader who has the support of officers, staff as well as our partners and he is undoubtedly the right person for the job. "I am really looking forward to continuing to work with Jeff to achieve the best policing service for the people of Gwent"