THE chief constable who was tasked with repairing the image of Cleveland Police following the sacking of the disgraced Sean Price has announced her retirement.

Jacqui Cheer took over as temporary chief constable in 2011 following the suspension of Mr Price and his deputy Derek Bonnard as a result of Operation Sacristy, an investigation into claims of corruption at the force.

In April 2013, she was appointed on a full time basis following the dismissal of the pair for gross misconduct.

She will leave in March next year.

During her tenure she has dealt with a number of difficult challenges, including allegations of 'institutional racism', with the force being hit by claims senior officers are attempting to cover up problems, as an internal equality review continues to be delayed.

The leading officer says some of her proudest moments are steering the organisation through the impact of Operation Sacristy, facing and dealing with the backlog of coroner’s inquests and leading the force during a time of austerity and budget constraints.

She said: “It has always been my intention to leave the service in 2016 after my contract ends, and I was very open about it when I took the position at Cleveland Police. I joined the service when officers retired after thirty years’ and after thirty-two; I feel it’s time to move on.

“I’m extremely proud of what we have achieved at Cleveland Police in restructuring the force to meet the challenges of financial constraint. I fear that my successor will have more difficult times ahead in maintaining a strong position on frontline cuts and managing the increasing levels of demand on policing.

“Operation Sacristy shone the light on a negative culture within the force from the top down, and whilst at times it’s been turbulent, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the work to tackle these issues and instil a culture of challenge within the organisation. The chief officer team are dedicated to building on this work for the future.

“When I arrived at Cleveland, I was given such a warm welcome and support from people, including Chief Executives from a number of organisations. These relationships have grown and over the last four and a half years I’ve seen fantastic partnership work and I’m proud of how agencies are addressing the needs of those with mental illness and those in crisis.

“Until March 2016, I’ll continue to work with the same enthusiasm as if it was my first day at Cleveland Police, but when I do retire, I’m confident that I’ll leave a police force which has moved forward from the mistakes of the past and has communities at the heart.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger said: “The Chief has always been clear with me that she intended to retire from the police service at the end of her fixed term appointment in 2016.

“Jacqui has been a huge asset to the police service and has been an inspiring, transformational leader for Cleveland Police.

“As the national lead for policing ethics, Jacqui has made a historic and lasting contribution to British policing “When she retires next year, the loss of her breadth and depth of experience will be as keenly felt throughout policing, as it will be within Cleveland Police.

“I have a very constructive working relationship with Jacqui Cheer. That relationship has played its part in allowing me to develop the role of Police & Crime Commissioner successfully for Cleveland. I look forward to continuing to work with Jacqui throughout the remainder of her term. When the time comes for her retirement in 2016, I wish her well in her future endeavours.”

Announcements for the process to appoint a new Chief Constable will be made in due course.