Kirklees' new top cop Chief Superintendent Tim Kingsman on his plans for the division and what experience he will bring: What do you want to see?

AFTER 22 years in the force Chief Supt Tim Kingsman has seen his fair share of policing in West Yorkshire.

He was on the frontline of policing during the Bradford Riots and has specialised in public order and search co-ordination.

He had a two-year stint as Calderdale Chief Inspector and has spent the last three years as Superintendent for Operations in North East Leeds.

But his new role at the helm of one of the biggest divisions in the country looks to be the most challenging, coming in the wake of the biggest changes to policing in more than 50 years.

Chief Supt Kingsman, 43, said: "There has never been more change in policing but it’s our challenge to keep delivering good quality policing.

"I am passionate about policing. I have never worked in Kirklees so my first two months have been spent getting out and about.

"Neighbourhood policing has got to remain. Financial cuts are coming but we have to mean it when we say Neighbourhood Policing has to be supported.

"People don’t talk about Kirklees, it is always Huddersfield or Deighton or Marsh. It is ‘really local’ policing.

"Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) is the vehicle we use for that.

"Everything else should support the Inspector running that NPT.

"There is a real sense of ownership in areas within Kirklees. But with changes officers are going to have to be flexible.

"Where there will be some changes to policing in the division, I would not want that to affect members of the public.

"Our mission in Kirklees is to provide policing that is local, accessible and flexible in meeting the needs of the communities we serve.

"Neighbourhood Policing is the bedrock of the service we provide."As well as reducing crime and bringing offenders to justice, we also want people to feel safe and confident in their area."

He said latest figures show there were 3,000 fewer victims of crime year-on-year.

And burglary is also down by 700 – equivalent to a 30% reduction.

Asked if former Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison’s departure has lost public confidence in the force, he said: "I accept there has been media attention but within the force we are all getting on with it.

"The force continues to do the good work Sir Norman set up with NPTs."

Outside of work Chief Supt Kingsman is a father-of-three boys and a junior football coach.