CHIEF Constable of Thames Valley Police Sara Thornton said yesterday that she will be “genuinely sad” to leave the force.

She is to become the first chairwoman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and will take up the full-time role from April 1 next year, with the NPCC replacing the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Ms Thornton was appointed after applying for the post, and Thames Valley Police spokeswoman Rhianne Pope said she would leave the force in March.

Ms Pope added that an appointment to replace Ms Thornton would be made in the coming months by Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Police Anthony Stansfeld.

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Ms Thornton, Chief Constable since 2007, said: “It will be a privilege and challenge to guide the new organisation in its vital role. I have been with Thames Valley Police for 14 years and so it is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving the force. I could happily stay here, but there is a sense of which it is time to move on and face a new challenge.

“I will be genuinely sad to leave such a fantastic force and such a wonderful group of people, and will miss serving the public of the Thames Valley.”

In a statement, she added: “The modern crime threat to this country demands that police forces work together more than ever.”

ACPO President Sir Hugh Orde will stand down in February 2015.

Ms Thornton joined Thames Valley Police as Assistant Chief Constable Specialist Operations in November 2000 and in August 2003 was appointed Deputy Chief Constable.

In January 2006, she was appointed Acting Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police before the position was made permanent.

Former Oxford police chief Cressida Dick yesterday announced she was leaving the service after 31 years to take up a new role at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

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