CHESHIRE Chief Constable Peter Fahy is leaving to take up the post of Chief Constable of Greater Manchester.
Mr Fahy’s appointment follows the suspected suicide on Snowdon of the post’s previous incumbent, Mike Todd.
Mr Fahy, who has been the county’s top cop since December 2002, has made a name for himself at a national level because of his hard-line on under age drinking, particularly in the light of the murder of Warrington man Garry Newlove at the hands of three drunken teenagers.
Mr Fahy, 45, who lives in Northwich with his wife and four children, told a Greater Manchester Police press conference in Salford: “Mike Todd was a remarkable police leader. I knew him well and admired him. He has left firm foundations to build upon.”
However, he added: “I am my own person. I think we have achieved a lot in Cheshire, and I realise that Manchester is a bigger challenge, but I believe I have the profile and commitment to work with staff on the force.”
Peter Nurse, chairman of the Police Authority, congratulated Mr Fahy on his new appointment.
He said: “During his five years as Chief Constable in Cheshire, Peter Fahy has been very successful in developing the constabulary and reducing crime levels, all of which has made a real difference to the people of Cheshire, police officers and staff.
“His skills and experience will be a real asset to Greater Manchester Police and the communities it serves.”
The authority is in discussion with Greater Manchester Police Authority over when Mr Fahy will start his new job.
Mr Nurse added: “The Police Authority will now start the process to find a new Chief Constable for Cheshire and hope to make an appointment later this year.
“If any interim arrangements are necessary the current deputy, Graeme Gerrard, will be appointed as Acting Chief Constable and the authority has every confidence in his leadership during this period.”
Prior to working in Cheshire, Mr Fahy was Assistant Chief Constable of Surrey, under Chester-born Sir Ian Blair, now the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.
Sir Ian told The Chronicle previously: “He’s a really fine officer. I think the people of Cheshire are extremely lucky to have such a truly great operator.”
During his time in Cheshire, Mr Fahy rolled out neighbourhood “beat bobby”- style policing.
He also oversaw the relocation of the Constabulary’s headquarters to Winsford. In the past Mr Fahy has enjoyed a prominent role as the Association of Chief Police Officers’ lead on Race and Diversity but had to face allegations of racism within his own force following a BBC undercover documentary which looked at the Cheshire police training school.
Chester MP Christine Russell said: “Under Peter Fahy's leadership Cheshire Constabulary has become one of the top performing police forces in the country. The local crime rate has fallen to its lowest level for 30 years, making Cheshire one of the safest places to live in the UK.
“During his five years at the helm in Cheshire, Peter has developed effective neighbourhood policing and encouraged strong partnership working between the police and local communities.”
