STAFFORDSHIRE’S newly-honoured police chief constable has reached an agreement with the county’s police tsar to extend his contract with the force until 2017.
Mike Cunningham, recently awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal in the New Year’s honours list, was set to reach the end of his contract in 2014 but has accepted an offer from police and crime commissioner Matthew Ellis to stay in the role for an additional three years.
Mr Ellis said during his first two months as the county’s PCC it had been clear that Mr Cunningham was the right person to take Staffordshire Police forward.
“He will play a key leadership role in delivering my ambitious plans for the police and criminal justice service in Staffordshire,” said Mr Ellis. “We will work together with community safety partners and make policing more visible, accessible and responsive to the needs of Staffordshire people.
“At a time when nationally other forces are facing uncertainty with vacant chief constable posts, this extension will continue to provide stability in Staffordshire and enable us to get on with the job of making our county safer.”
Mr Cuningham said he was ‘delighted’ to accept the new contract.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years as Chief Constable,” he said. “There have been many challenges and opportunities.
“We have continued, year on year, to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and maintain high levels of victim satisfaction.
“This is a tremendous tribute to the hard work and dedication of all officers and staff.”
Mr Cunningham said he was excited to lead Staffordshire Police for the next few years and work with the force’s partners to make communities even safer.
