Durham Police appoint first ever female Chief Officer

Chief Supt Helen McMillan Credit: Durham Police

Helen McMillan has become the first female Chief Officer in Durham Constabulary’s 177 year history.

Chief Supt Helen McMillan, 49, has secured the role of acting assistant chief constable for the force.

Helen steps up from her current role of head of Neighbourhood and Safeguarding.

About Helen

  • After graduating from Durham University, Helen worked in the NHS for a year before joining the force in 1990.

  • During her service Helen has worked across the force in many operational roles particularly in Durham, Bishop Auckland, and Darlington as well as spending time in the force’s training and professional standards departments.

  • In 2004 Helen was promoted to Chief Inspector and was responsible for policing in Darlington. She then spent six months seconded to government office for the North East in Newcastle.

  • Promoted to Superintendent in 2008, Helen was responsible for operational and crime performance across North Durham.

  • In 2010 she became Head of Operations and communications in the response command.

  • In this role Helen was responsible for roads policing, firearms and specialist support as well as for the force communications centre.

  • Helen is also an experienced firearms and public order commander having regularly commanded the international cricket matches and other large events around Darlington and County Durham.