Chance to quiz new police chief (From York Press)

Chance to quiz new police chief

NORTH Yorkshire Police’s new chief constable steps into the role today – and is inviting local residents to discuss how to shape the force’s future in a live web chat.

Tim Madgwick

Tim Madgwick, North Yorkshire Police’s former deputy chief constable, has today temporarily taken over the reins from former chief Grahame Maxwell, and said he was “delighted and honoured” to be at the helm of the county’s police force.

Mr Madgwick, who joined North Yorkshire Police 24 years ago at the age of 30 and was formerly York and Selby’s top police officer, is stepping into the role until the new Police and Crime Commissioner, due to be elected in November, makes a permanent appointment once in office.

Mr Madgwick, who quickly rose through the ranks, was most notably commended in his career for leading the hunt for quadruple killer Mark Hobson in 2004. Hobson was consequently jailed for life.

In one of his first jobs as the force’s top officer, Mr Madgwick will be holding a question and answer session through the North Yorkshire Police website between 5pm and 6.30pm today.

It will be the first time a senior officer has held a live web chat and will give members of the public the chance to discuss with Mr Madgwick on what action they would like to see in their local communities.

On his new role, Mr Madgwick said: “The year promises to be a significant one not least with the celebrations around the Olympics and other major sporting events, but also the election of the Police and Crime Commissioner in November.

“One of the key issues for me is that we continue to work with and engage our communities. My first opportunity to talk with the public will be in my online discussion tonight.”

Anyone who wishes to join in the discussion should visit northyorkshire.police.uk/live

Jane Kenyon, chairman of North Yorkshire Police Authority, described Mr Madgwick as “talented” and “highly regarded” by his colleagues – adding she was “delighted” he had been appointed the role.

Mr Madgwick, a father-of-two, joined North Yorkshire Police in 1988 and served in York as a constable, sergeant and inspector.

He became the chief constable’s staff officer in 2001, was promoted to chief inspector the following year and a year later promoted to superintendent.

He took over as area commander for the York and Selby districts after his promotion to chief superintendent.

In March 2010 Tim took on the role as assistant chief constable and in June 2011 was temporarily promoted to the position of deputy chief constable – a role he was officially appointed to in December last year.