Surrey Police Authority and Surrey Police are pleased to announce the appointment of Lynne Owens as Assistant Chief Constable.

Lynne was appointed Temporary Assistant Chief Constable in January 2005 responsible for operational support and crime management departments and she has now had her position confirmed after a selection process. She will be taking up her new responsibilities with immediate effect.

"I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to serve the people of Surrey as part of the strategic management team of the Force." Lynne said.

"Having operated as the Divisional Commander on North Surrey Division for the boroughs of Spelthorne, Elmbridge and Epsom and Ewell, and as a resident of the County, I am very aware of the issues facing Surrey. I will strive to continue to make Surrey a place in which people are not only safe in statistical terms but also feel safe."

Lynne began her policing career in South East London with the Metropolitan Police Service. On receiving promotion to sergeant, she transferred to Kent Police where she trained and specialised as a detective. With Kent she was promoted to Detective Chief Inspector and acted as a Senior Investigating Officer for their major crime department. After transferring to Surrey Police on promotion to Superintendent in 2002, Lynne quickly became the Divisional Commander for North Surrey Division, improving both staff morale and the performance of the divisions.

"I am delighted to announce the appointment of Lynne Owens as ACC for Surrey Police", said Liz Campbell, chairman of Surrey Police Authority's senior personnel committee.

"Lynne has proved herself an outstanding candidate throughout the various assessments which have led to this appointment. I am confident that her energy, enthusiasm and strategic ability will strengthen the senior management team of Surrey Police and I know all members of the Police Authority look forward to working with her. In appointing such an outstanding officer, it is particularly pleasing to have a female ACPO officer in Surrey Police for the first time."