Police chief provides public chance to quiz him online

Chief Constable Dave Jones is hosting his monthly live webchat tonight between 4.30pm and 5.30pm, giving residents the chance to ask him about the crime issues that matte r most in their community.

Today marks two months since Mr Jones took over the leadership of North Yorkshire Police and in that time the force has had to deal with a range of issues from fatal road accidents, robberies and burglaries as well as helped with missing person and cave rescue operations.

North Yorkshire Police has also launched Operation Hawk – a major operation to protect rural communities from travelling criminals.

Mr Jones said: “In my two months with North Yorkshire Police, I have been impressed by the versatility and the flexibility of our officers and staff who play a major part in keeping people safe.

“We have seen a huge demand for our services which has been met with a professional, dedicated and caring response that is the bedrock of policing in this country.

“I want North Yorkshire Police to be the very best and provide the most responsive service to our communities.

“To achieve this and to avoid any hint of complacency, I want people to tell me what concerns them most in their own neighbourhoods and how the police and our partners can help to improve the quality of life for all.

“I look forward to you joining me on Monday afternoon or feel free to send questions in advance via Twitter if you can’t make it,” he said yesterday.

Mr Jones will do his best to respond to all questions during the hour-long interactive chat which begins at 4.30pm. To join the live webchat and to ask Mr Jones a question, people should log on to www.northyorkshire.police.uk/webchat

Those unable to take part in the chat can send questions via the North Yorkshire Police Twitter account @NYorksPolice using the hashtag #AskTheChief

Mr Jones, a former Assistant Chief Constable for Northern Ireland’s rural region took over a year after the departure of Grahame Maxwell, whose contract was not renewed after he admitted gross misconduct for helping a relative during a recruitment exercise.

Mr Jones was named as North Yorkshire’s Chief Constable in April after the first round of recruitment failed to find a suitable candidate.