A POLICE chief who became the first area commander of the western area is on the move.

Ch Supt Tim Jackson is taking on a new challenge, heading the uniform operations department at Cheshire Police headquarters, in Winsford.

He said: “Being an area commander is just about the best job in policing.

“I have been privileged to work with some absolutely great police officers, police staff and members of the special constabulary.

“I never cease to be impressed by the amazing things that they do on a daily basis.

“Their levels of enthusiasm, commitment, motivation and professionalism are second to none.”

Ch Supt Jackson joined the Cheshire force 29 years ago.

He became area commander of Vale Royal and Congleton in 2002.

His patch stretched to encompass 300,000 residents when the western area was restructured to include Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich, Winsford, Frodsham and the surrounding villages three years later.

Ch Supt Jackson added: “I would like to express my appreciation to the public and our partner organisations for their support.

“They have worked with us on issues, told us when we are doing the right thing and let me know when and where we could improve the service.”

Working with the community to tackle issues, he said, had proved very successful.

He said: “We have made some real progress over the past few years, especially in terms of neighbourhood policing and customer feedback.

“The introduction of our customer service desks has allowed us to keep victims of crime or anti-social behaviour as up to date as possible about their cases.

“I have noticed a marked improvement in the feedback I received from partners and the public over the past few years.”

His new job will entail overseeing the deployment of specialist police resources across the county but he will still be in touch with patrols on the street.

“I am looking forward to my new role as it will be a completely different aspect of policing for me.

“I will not be divorced from what is happening in the community because I will have responsibility for deploying officers from HQ into local areas in support of neighbourhood policing.”

Ch Supt Craig Guilford from the northern area will be taking over Supt Jackson’s position.