New Chief Inspector joins local policing team

South Staffordshire local policing team (LPT) has been bolstered with the appointment of a new Chief Inspector.

Chief Inspector Chris Cotton, who has over two decades of experience in policing, started post earlier this month after spending the past two years as a Force Duty Officer.

Ch Insp Cotton’s policing career began in April 2001 after he joined West Midlands Police as a response officer in Birmingham.

He said: “I’m really excited to use the foundation I have built in my early career to solve problems and work closely with partners in South Staffordshire.

“Staffordshire Police’s local policing model allows me to use this experience and make sure our officers are visible and attentive with the public and their needs.”

Chief Insp Cotton joined the force as a Chief Inspector in 2020 having transferred from the Birmingham Airport Policing Unit.

He was initially posted into the Force Duty Officer role supporting command operations, but now joins South Staffs LPT as a Commander.

He said: “The warm welcome, help and support that I have received since starting this new role has been overwhelming and now two years on, Staffordshire Police feels very much like home.

“I recognise I have only been in role for just a few weeks but I am confident the help and support that is being shown to me combined with my previous policing experience will help us to deliver effective local policing in the region.

“I would like to extend a personal thank you to my predecessor, Ch Insp Dave Wain, who has worked tirelessly over the last two years in this role and now embarks on a new challenge within the force.

“It is clear that there are solid foundations to build upon and his help, support and continued guidance will make the transition into this new role much easier.”

To find out more about policing in your area, visit: Your area | Staffordshire Police

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Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.