CLEVELAND Police Chief Constable, Jacqui Cheer, has been selected to help select the country’s next high ranking officers.

She will assist in directing the Strategic Command Course for the College of Policing next year, the national programme is aimed at Superintendents and Chief Superintendents striving for promotion to Chief Officer status.

While she is attached to the College of Policing between January and March, Deputy Chief Constable Iain Spittal will take on the role of Acting Chief Constable.

Ch Con Cheer said: “I’m delighted to have been offered the opportunity to assist in leading the Strategic Command Course and to test the police leaders of the future.

“It is a particularly challenging course and tests participants across three key areas – leadership and ethics, business and partnerships and professional policing skills.

“I know that Cleveland will be well looked after by the newly completed command team in my absence.”

The College of Policing will cover the full cost of Ch Con Cheer’s secondment.

Cleveland Police & Crime Commissioner, Barry Coppinger, added: “The Strategic Command Course is the most prestigious senior leadership development programme in policing and I am delighted that Jacqui has been invited to support the director in running it.

“She is an inspirational leader and I think the police leaders of the future will benefit from her experience and expertise.”

The lead for the Strategic Command Course at the College of Policing, Fiona Eldridge, said: "The course prepares selected police officers and staff for promotion to the most senior ranks in the service.

"Chief Constable Jacqui Cheer will bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise and professionalism that will allow the college to develop the future leaders of policing."