The force revealed interim arrangements have been made ahead of CC Garry Forsyth’s retirement in September – at which point the search for a successor will begin.

Deputy Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst will become the Acting Chief Constable.

Assistant Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic, currently Head of the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), will join his team and undertake the role of Temporary Deputy Chief Constable.

ACC Dan Vajzovic

The force which will be supported by the College of Policing, is joining the search for a new Chief at a time when a raft of leaders have moved on.

Currently there are three Chief Constable vacancies: South Wales, Nottinghamshire and the Isle of Man.

And Suffolk is yet to formally post its bid for applicants to take over from Steve Jupp who is taking on a national role working with the National Crime Agency.

Bedfordshire faces a challenge as more than a dozen forces have chosen a new chief in the last year.

Concerns have been raised by Police and Crime Commissioners at the limited pool of senior officers who could be considered for leadership roles.

But Bedfordshire is confident that with its good performance ratings and a number of innovative projects ongoing, it will find a good fit for the top job.

The interim arrangements are a "belt and braces" approach.

“There have been a lot of appointments of new Chiefs. It’s a wise move,” Police Oracle was told.

The force’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Festus Akin said: “Details of the recruitment process to fill the Chief Constable role on a permanent basis will be released in due course.

“I would like to extend my thanks to chief officers across the region for their understanding and support of ACC Vajzovic’s temporary move from ERSOU.”