Sarah Crew is the force’s first female chief and brings the UK tally of women chief constables to 16.

She joined Avon and Somerset in 1994 and was Deputy Chief Constable from 2017 before becoming the Temporary Chief Constable this year.

The announcement follows a two day selection process by the PCC and a panel. The candidates completed a media exercise, met with two stakeholder panels before attending a final interview with the selection panel.

The Police and Crime Panel will meet on Thursday 25 November to consider the appointment.

PCC Shelford said: “I am delighted to announce my preferred candidate – Sarah Crew – and look forward to the Police and Crime Panel confirmation hearing.

“At the start of this process, I said I was looking for a robust and innovative Chief Constable who is able to inspire their workforce and Sarah has a proven track record of strong and effective leadership.

“It’s been a tough two years for policing due to the pandemic, a changing landscape and new demands but I am confident that Sarah will successfully deliver a professional, efficient and effective police service for our communities. The police officers and staff in Avon and Somerset are dedicated and hardworking, and I believe that Sarah can enhance their considerable efforts and skills.”

T/CC Crew is the National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead (NPCC) for Rape and Adult Sexual Offences.