A new assistant chief constable has been appointed for Bedfordshire with responsibility for leading the force's protective services directorate.
John Fletcher, 43, is currently a chief superintendent with Suffolk Police.
Mr Fletcher said: "The county is making good progress to reduce crime and I'm pleased that I will be part of it."
Protective services are defined by the Home Office as measures to counter terrorism, serious crime and other major challenges to public safety.
Chair of the police authority, Peter Conniff, said that the selection process had been rigorous.
"Each candidate had a lot to offer but I am satisfied that we have made the right decision.
"I'm very pleased to welcome John to Bedfordshire and look forward to working with him in the future.
"Until now Bedfordshire has been one of only seven forces out of the 43 in England and Wales to operate with only one assistant chief constable.
"It has been obvious for some time that we did not have enough resilience at senior level.
"I am pleased that this has been addressed, " he said.
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