A force’s new number two has admitted first-hand experience of the conflict in the Balkans has shaped his view of policing throughout a 25-year career.

Former Army officer Dave Orford has been appointed to the permanent post of deputy chief constable of Durham Constabulary.

And today he spoke of how his experience in former Yugoslavia has influenced his thinking from the day he joined his home-county force as a beat constable in Consett in 1995.

Prior to his police career, DCC Orford served with the Royal Engineers – rising to the rank of lieutenant. His tours of duty included completing six months in Bosnia protecting the enclave of Gorazde during the three-year war which spilled over from the break of the six republics of the former socialist state of Yugoslavia.

He said: “I saw what can happen when law and order completely disappears and an entire country is torn apart”.

DCC Orford has been the temporary Durham deputy for the last three months.

On being appointed as the substantive DCC, Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “Dave brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and a really strong set of values to Durham Constabulary.

“It means we now have an executive team in place which will deliver real stability and the highest possible service to the people of County Durham and Darlington”.

DCC Orford progress from PC to sergeant at Peterlee, and then inspector at Darlington.

In 2003 he became the first head of the pioneering Cleveland and Durham Police Tactical Training Centre at Urlay Nook, delivering firearms training for both forces.

As chief inspector, he was appointed deputy head of the force’s professional standards department. After a variety of roles at headquarters, he was appointed to the position of assistant chief constable in 2014.

Following his appointment, the 49-year-old said: “I am proud to be given the chance to continue to serve those communities where I grew up and to uphold the traditional values of British policing dating back to Sir Robert Peel that the police are the public and the public are the police.”