SURREY Police have appointed Nev Kemp Assistant Chief Constable.

He will oversee local policing criminal justice and contact management.

The former Chief Superintendent responsible for Brighton and Hove, served with Sussex Police for 22 years in a range of uniform and detective roles, including head of counter-terrorism operations and head of crime investigations.

In 2012, he was promoted to head the unit protecting vulnerable people.

Surrey Deputy Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said: “The high quality calibre of the candidates made the choice a difficult one but the selection panel agreed Nev was an outstanding candidate for the role.

“We’re really looking forward to him starting his role with us on May 8.”

*Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro praised the progress made by the force in last week’s report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), following its annual nationwide inspection into ‘Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy’.

Surrey improved its previous rating from “requiring improvement” to “good” in both the efficiency and effectiveness areas, while also maintaining its “good” rating for legitimacy.

HMIC Inpector Zoe Billingham said: “In summary, I am heartened by the progress the force has made, but there are some aspects where I would like to see improvement.”

Mr Munro said: “There is always more to do to make Surrey a safer place.

“I am committed to working with the Chief Constable to ensure we maintain our current course and address those areas such as the investigation of less serious crime and developing its understanding on changing demand.”