South Yorkshire Police officers 'working in difficult circumstances'

SOUTH Yorkshire Police’s new interim chief constable has said the force needs to “listen to the concerns of its communities” following the findings of the Hillsborough Disaster inquests.

Dave Jones, the chief constable of North Yorkshire Police, was appointed on Tuesday by police and crime commissioner Dr Alan Billings to lead the force until a permanent replacement for David Crompton — suspended last week — is found.

Speaking during a web chat with members of the public, he also said officers were working “in complex and difficult circumstances”.

Mr Jones’ appointment was the third Dr Billings made in just six days after Mr Crompton’s original temporary replacement Deputy Chief Constable Dawn Copley quit the job after just 24 hours over “negative publicity” surrounding her being investigated for alleged misconduct.

Mr Jones said: “I recognise the negative press but also recognise that — day in and day out — there are officers and staff at the force who are working to provide the best police service they can in complex and difficult circumstances.

“However, we need to make sure we listen and act upon the concerns of our communities, acknowledge where we've let people down and - working collectively with the wider, national police family - ensure that South Yorkshire moves forward in a positive direction.”