CAMBRIDGESHIRE S top police officer, Chief Constable Julie Spence, has announced her retirement. The 54-year old has led the force in the county for five years. Chf Cons Spence, who will step down in September, described her time in the post as an extrao

CAMBRIDGESHIRE'S top police officer, Chief Constable Julie Spence, has announced her retirement.

The 54-year old has led the force in the county for five years.

Chf Cons Spence, who will step down in September, described her time in the post as an "extraordinary privilege". She

She said: "It has without doubt been the highlight of my 32 year career and I believe the county now has a force it can be proud of.

"I feel the time is right to hand over the reins to someone else to guide the force through the next part of the journey.

"By announcing my retirement now, the Police Authority has six months to find the right person to lead the force into 2011 and beyond," she said.

Ruth Rogers, chair of the Cambridgeshire Police Authority said: "Julie Spence has been a powerful force for improvement and development in Cambridgeshire. Her integrity and honesty is recognised by the public and by all those who work within the force.

"Julie has provided a sound legacy for her successor and I look forward to leading the Police Authority process to ensure we appoint a worthy successor," she added.