LANCASHIRE'S Assistant Chief Constable David Smith is to retire, aged 52.

Mr Smith, who joined the Force as a 17-year-old cadet, has been given approval by the Police Authority to retire in December.

He is currently in charge of policy, planning and performance, in addition to discipline and complaints.

The Assistant Chief Constable, who is married and lives in Tarleton, said: "The police service has been a significant and important part of my life and I will watch the Lancashire Constabulary's continuing progress with pride.

"It's tempting to stay, but I feel it is the right time to retire, particularly as we are now seeing a significant reduction in crime, disorder and road casualties following the force reorganisation."

Apart from a period in the early 1990s, when he moved to Northumbria to become an Assistant Chief Constable, Mr Smith has served in Lancashire throughout his career.

He has served in the CID, including three years as a police liaison officer to the North West Forensic Science Service at Euxton. He then moved on to serve in most of Lancashire's operational branches.

He has been head of the force's training school and Divisional Commander in Blackburn, before leaving for Northumbria.

Since his return to Lancashire in 1995, he has held several senior posts, including an extended period as Acting Deputy Chief Constable while the post was vacant.

Chief Constable Mrs Pauline Clare said: "David Smith has had a long and distinguished police career here in Lancashire.

"He has been a very loyal member of my management team and I, along with everybody else, will miss his valuable contribution."

Dr Ruth Henig, Lancashire Police Authority chairman, added: "We are reluctant to see him go, but wish him all the best in his retirement."

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