Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police to take four months away from force

Gareth Morgan is on secondment from the force to the College of Policing as the director of the Strategic Command Course, which seeks to identify up-and-coming senior officers and prepare them for top roles.

Deputy Chief Constable Nick Baker will step up to become Temporary Chief Constable in Mr Morgan's absence. Mr Morgan has served as Chief Constable since June 2017.

George Adamson, leader of Cannock Chase Council, said he was concerned the county's most senior officer was "disappearing" as the Staffordshire force needed "continuity".

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Chief Constable Gareth Morgan is on secondment from Staffordshire Police to the College of Policing as director of the Strategic Command Course (SCC) until April 2020.

"The SCC is policing’s most senior leadership development programme which prepares police officers and staff for promotion to the highest ranks in the service across the UK. The secondment commenced on December 2 and Deputy Chief Constable Nick Baker has stepped up to become Temporary Chief Constable until Mr Morgan resumes his role in the spring."

Mr Adamson said: "He has not been in the post that long. It is concerning he is disappearing. Although it's all for a good cause it's not good for the running of Staffordshire Police."

It was revealed earlier this month that hundreds of Staffordshire police officers have taken time off for stress, anxiety and depression over the last three years.

And Mr Adamson said: "It's certainly an issue that needs to be dealt with. With something like mental health it's important officers get all the support they can."