THE newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey has chosen his preferred deputy.
Kevin Hurley, who won the election to become the county's first crime commissioner on November 15, has named Jeff Harris as his number two.
Mr Harris served as an officer in the Metropolitan Police for over 30 years, reaching the rank of Chief Superintendent.
Mr Hurley said: "I have known Jeff for many years and he played an integral role in my election campaign.
"I trust him absolutely for his judgement and wisdom, honed over a lengthy and successful career in policing and community safety.
"We make a great team and I know he will make a real difference for the people of Surrey in this important job."
Mr Harris retired as borough commander for Hounslow, where he led a team of 640 officers, PCSOs, civilian staff and volunteers, with an annual budget of £25 million.
The appointment will be subject to a public confirmation hearing at a meeting of the Surrey Police and Crime Panel on December 13.
Mr Harris said: "It is an honour to be named as the proposed Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and to be able to support Kevin in realising his vision for policing in the county. Kevin and I bring a shared passion for policing and a determination that local people should receive the very best policing service possible."
Following his retirement from the police Mr Harris moved into local government, spending four years as an assistant director at Westminster City Council, where he was responsible for street service management.
More recently he has been a team leader for the Prince's Trust, working with vulnerable young people on courses designed to improve employment and education prospects.
He has also worked with the Metropolitan Police Voluntary Cadets in Croydon.
Following the announcement Julie Iles, the Conservative candidate in last month's police election in Surrey, asked on Twitter: "Another ex-policeman, just what we need?"
