North Yorkshire's top cop steps down
Dave Jones to retire as force's Chief Constable
North Yorkshire's on the look out for a new top cop after the retirement today of Chief Constable Dave Jones.
He's leaving the force after 32 years in the police and five years in charge at North Yorkshire.
His statement today: "“I have been proud to serve the community for nearly 32 years, but it is now time to step back and be with my family.
"I have always believed that neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of the police service, and that community approach is absolutely embedded at North Yorkshire Police. The Force is also firmly on the road to a modernised service, with developments in mobile technology now rolling-out across the frontline, and more still to come.
"However policing does not stand still, and North Yorkshire Policing is about to start the next phase in its transformation. This seemed like the right time for me to hand over the baton to a new leader, who can take the service on this new stage of the journey.
"I have said before that families play an absolutely crucial role in allowing police officers to do the best job in the world. I’d like to pay tribute to my family for the fantastic support they have given me over the years. I am very much looking forward to spending more time with them in my retirement.
"I’d also like to pay tribute to my colleagues at North Yorkshire Police, and the wider service for their dedication and commitment to keeping people safe, and making North Yorkshire one of the safest counties in England."
CC Jones steps down with immediate effect and his deputy Lisa Winward assumes temporary command.