A FORMER Huddersfield detective is head of a major crime squad being set up in West Yorkshire.
Det Chief Supt Chris Gregg - who used to be in charge of Huddersfield CID - is to lead the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.
At the moment, officers are drawn from other police divisions - including Huddersfield - to deal with major crimes.
So if a murder happened in Leeds, the senior investigating officer would ask Huddersfield to provide officers to help the inquiry.
West Yorkshire Assistant Chief Constable (operational support) John Sampson said: "Although this has been successful, the force would benefit from a different approach to major crime investigation that reflects the varying demands.
"The new team will be very experienced and help maintain our excellent reputation for serious crime investigation.
"It will also create greater stability in divisions, who won't face losing staff to major inquiries on a regular basis."
Det Chief Supt Gregg is one the force's most experienced senior investigating officers.
His squad will be split into six teams and be at four sites in Leeds and Bradford. Other rooms can be set up if needed.
The squad will include eight detective superintendents, two detective chief inspectors, six detective inspectors, 24 detective sergeants and 96 detective constables.
Recruitment is under way for ranks from detective chief inspector and below.
Det Chief Supt Gregg has headed several major inquiries, including the West Yorkshire investigation into mass murderer doctor Harold Shipman.
He was also the detective in charge of the investigation into the fatal shooting of Pc Ian Broadhurst in Oakwood, Leeds, on Boxing Day last year.
Nightclub doorman David Bieber - also known as Nathan Coleman - is now on trial, accused of murder.
