A TEMPORARY deputy chief constable (TDCC) has been appointed at Cleveland Police.

Helen McMillan has taken on the role for six months, following the secondment of Simon Nickless to the College of Policing as Senior Policing Adviser.

She joins from Northumbria Police, where she is currently assistant chief constable.

She is also the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for criminal use of firearms.

TDCC McMillan said: "Having worked in policing in the North-East for 28 years, I'm pleased to be on Teesside.

"I know the challenges that Cleveland faces, but also recognise the relentless dedication of officers and staff to keep communities safe.

"The Chief Constable has brought a new vision to the force and I look forward to supporting teams and working with partners to put this into action."

She joined Northumbria Police last year, having previously worked for Durham Police in a variety of roles – most recently as assistant chief constable.

She has worked in training and professional standards departments and is an experienced firearms and public order commander.

In her role as national spokeswoman for firearms, she liases with the Home Secretary, National Crime Agency, the National Ballistics Intelligence Service and other law enforcement agencies.

TDCC McMillan worked in the NHS for a year before joining Durham Constabulary in 1990, and worked in roles in Durham, Bishop Auckland and Darlington, among others.