Chief Constable of Durham Police announces retirement

The Chief Constable will retire in the summer Credit: Durham Constabulary

The Chief Constable of Durham Police, Mike Barton, has announced he will retire from policing in the summer.

After 39 years as an officer in uniform and seven years at the top of Durham Constabulary, he will officially step down on June 7th 2019.

Mr Barton led Durham to three successive Outstanding ratings in the annual Peel inspections during his time in office.

The force said he confirmed his retirement in a letter sent with “mixed emotions” to Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg.

Chief Constable Barton Credit: Durham Constabulary

In response, Mr Hogg said he had been “very fortunate to have such a dedicated, forward-thinking and passionate” chief constable during his term in office.