Hertfordshire’s chief fire officer has been recruited as chief executive of police and crime commissioner David Lloyd’s office in what is thought to be the first partnership of its kind in the UK.
Roy Wilsher, who also acts as head of community safety at Herts County Council, will take up his new position on Monday.
While predecessor Andrew White’s was a full time role involving the whole police authority, Mr Wilsher will oversee the office for two days a week.
Mr Wilsher said: “My role is to support David and also provide leadership to his dedicated office.
“It is not operational policing, it is very much around strategy, communication and budgets.
“One thing we have to make clear is that we are trying it for a year in the first instance, before beginning a full review and reopening the recruitment process. I am giving up several other roles so there is a bit of an overlap at the moment, but that will calm down.”
The £55,000 salary previously reported for the post is mostly going into county savings, with Mr Wilsher taking a small increase on top of his other roles.
The restructured position will, according to Commissioner Lloyd, save the taxpayer £100,000 a year.
Mr Wilsher added: “With the economy at the moment, the more we can add efficiency and value for the money, the better.
“The Police and Crime Panel were supportive of my appointment, but had the same concerns a lot of people have with my capacity issues. Until we know the size of the job, no one is sure, but I am confident it will work.
“I am looking forward to it, and I believe I will add some real benefit to Herts.”
Mr Wilsher, who lives in Barnet, north London, beieves his operational experience with the fire service can help him to understand the police’s work in the county. He has also worked on crime reduction initiatives with young offenders and on anti-arson campaigns.
He said: “The initiatives work pretty well in Herts already and my plan is to make them even better. I know people in the districts and I work within the county council, so hopefully I can continue to improve that excellent working partnership.
“I know what operations involve and understand that, ultimately, we need to allow the police to get on with the job.”