THE new chief constable of a Crow country police force has taken up his post.

Andy Bliss was previously Essex Police’s deputy chief constable and started with Hertfordshire Constabulary last Monday.

Chief constable Bliss, who received the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) in Her Majesty’s 2010 New Year Honours, said: “Hertfordshire Constabulary is a good force with a national reputation for reducing crime and tackling criminals.

“I am delighted to be taking up the post of Chief Constable and joining such an effective team. Despite the challenging financial climate, we intend to continue reducing crime, catching criminals and keeping people safe.”

The new top cop has worked within various forces in the country since 1983 and has passed through all ranks to superintendent as both a uniformed and detective officer.

He has also led the policing of two labour party conferences.

David Lloyd, Chair of Hertfordshire Police Authority, the body which appoints Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Chief Officers, said: “I am delighted that Andy has now joined as Hertfordshire’s new Chief Constable. My colleagues and I look forward to working with him to ensure that Hertfordshire remains one of the safest counties in Britain.”