A leader of “real innovation” and regional collaboration has seen his career fast-tracked to second in command.

Three months after securing the permanent post of assistant chief constable for the seven force-strong Eastern Region Specialist Operations Unit, Trevor Rodenhurst has been handed another promotion.

This time he has stepped into the ‘deputy’ role vacated by Bedfordshire Police’s new chief constable, Garry Forsyth.

It was only in mid-April that DCC Rodenhurst took permanent charge of ERSOU – leading the regional organised crime unit and counter-terrorism policing for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk forces, and in addition ROCU for Kent.

At the time, retiring Bedfordshire chief Jon Boutcher heaped praise on him for demonstrating the ability to “adapt to, and confront the ever-changing face of serious organised crime.”

During the new deputy chief’s time in charge of ERSOU, Channel 4 film-makers produced a TV ‘first’ documentary when they were given unprecedented access to cover police operations.

Their cameras followed ERSOU officers carrying out a six-month investigation between September 2016 and March 2017 in conjunction with Bedfordshire Police and the National Crime Agency.

Commenting on DCC Rodenhurst’s new appointment, CC Forsyth said: “I’m thrilled to be announcing Trevor as my new deputy.

“He is an outstanding leader and brings a wealth of experience particularly from his role leading the regional response to tackling serious organised crime and terrorism.

“I’m genuinely excited about bringing him into our leadership team as we strive to take Bedfordshire from strength to strength.

“One of my key aims as chief constable is to improve even further our ability to clamp down on organised crime, and Trevor will play a key part in helping us to achieve that ambition.”

Bedfordshire police and crime commissioner Kathryn Holloway said: “It’s been absolutely obvious to me that Trevor is not only hugely popular but commands the respect of his officers and staff.

“He's been responsible for real innovation; appointing a member of police staff to a senior position in relation to serious organised crime, which creates a genuine set of opportunities and a career path which had previously been closed to them – and he masterminded a plan to avoid a £3 million deficit in finances.

“Trevor is an all-rounder. He will be a fantastic support for the new chief constable.”

Bedfordshire’s DCC role has a responsibility for both Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Joint Protective Services – which comprises collaborated units such as roads policing, firearms and major crime – and ERSOU which tackles serious organised crime and counter terrorism across the region.

CC Rodenhurst said: “I’m incredibly proud to be selected as the deputy chief constable for Bedfordshire.

“It really is a fantastic force – and also my home constabulary as I live in the county, so this appointment is particularly special for me on a personal level.”