New Hertfordshire chief constable Andy Prophet vows to serve with ‘fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality’

New Hertfordshire Chief Constable Andy Prophet has been sworn in, vowing to serve with “fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality”.

The official ceremony was conducted by Justice of the Peace Annie Brewster, who is the county’s High Sheriff.

Mr Prophet was selected for the top cop job by Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards and took office on January 1.

Mr Ash-Edwards, who was elected last May, said: “I am delighted to welcome Andy Prophet to Hertfordshire Constabulary. He has already hit the ground running with a tour of the county’s police stations to meet officers and staff.

“His appointment marks an exciting new chapter in policing in Hertfordshire as he builds on the solid foundations which have been set and takes on those areas where improvements are needed.

“I am looking forward to working with the chief constable to keep Hertfordshire safe and on the implementation of my forthcoming Police and Crime Plan.”

Mr Prophet, who succeeds the retiring Charlie Hall, said: “One week into my role I have enjoyed getting out and talking to colleagues across the constabulary. It’s clear to me they share my desire to keep people safe and catch criminals in the county.

“My focus is on supporting them to do their job and working with the commissioner and partners to ensure we make Hertfordshire even safer.”

Mr Prophet has been a police officer for 28 years and was previously the deputy chief constable at Essex Police.

He spent his first 10 years working as a patrol constable and then served as a response team member and custody sergeant before taking a series of leadership roles.