A POLICE officer has made history by becoming the first female chief officer in her force's 177-year history.

Chief Superintendent Helen McMillan has been appointed acting assistant chief constable with Durham Constabulary.

The 49-year-old is stepping up into the post after Deputy Chief Constable Steve Watson left the force to become Chief Constable with South Yorkshire Police.

The Durham University graduate, who is an experienced firearms and public order commander, said: “It is a real honour to be given the role and I am relishing the challenge.

“As a Durham girl it is even more satisfying and it is a proud moment for me and my family.

Durham Chief Constable Mike Barton said: “It is a very proud day for one of our home grown officers.

“She will become our first female chief officer when she takes up the role as acting assistant chief constable, and it is another pat on the back for the people who work for Durham Police.”

During her service, the newly-appointed ACC McMillan worked across the force in many operational roles particularly in Durham, Bishop Auckland, and Darlington as well as spending time in the force’s training and professional standards departments.

In 2004, she was promoted to Chief Inspector and was responsible for policing in Darlington.

Promoted to Superintendent in 2008, she was responsible for operational and crime performance across North Durham.

Since 2010 she has been responsible for roads policing, firearms and specialist support as well as for the force communications centre and is also an experienced firearms and public order commander, having regularly commanded the international cricket matches and other large events around County Durham.