Newly appointed Chief Constable for Merseyside Police, Jon Murphy

Mr Jon Murphy today began as Chief Constable of Merseyside Police.

Mr Murphy has a significant amount of experience in policing Merseyside having begun his career in the Force in 1975 and worked his way up through the ranks over the past three decades. Mr Murphy's understanding and knowledge of Merseyside will be a valuable asset to the Force, as will the experience he gained as Head of Operations at the National Crime Squad and most recently the Association of Chief Police Officers' National Coordinator of Serious and Organised Crime.

On taking up the role Chief Constable Jon Murphy said:

"Very few officers have the honour of becoming Chief Constable in the Force area in which they were born, began their career and worked up through the ranks. I am looking forward to the challenge of leading Merseyside Police.

"Merseyside has seen a continuing fall in crime over the last four years and I am dedicated to continuing that fight against crime, making the streets of Merseyside a safe place to live, work and visit.

"Gun crime and serious organised crime will clearly remain a priority but it is vital that we work with communities to identify local policing priorities and deliver these priorities within our neighbourhoods. Issues such as anti-social behaviour greatly affect people's quality of life and it is therefore important that, working together with our partner organisations and communities, we tackle them.

"I want the people of Merseyside to continue to have confidence in the work we do. The public should trust us and feel that officers are approachable on any issue. I will be encouraging all my officers to speak to the public when they are out and about on their patrols to help them understand their concerns and resolve any issues. I am determined that people should not only speak to a police officer if they have had a crime committed against them."."