To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what qualifications relevant to his appointment the Chief Constable of Essex Police holds; what his career in the Police Service has been to date; what process was followed in his appointment; and if he will make a statement. (290642)

[holding answer 9 September 2009]: Jim Barker-McCardle, brings extensive policing experience and a strong track record to the role of chief constable of Essex.

He joined the police in 1981 serving in a number of uniform and detective roles in Kent. He rose to the rank of assistant chief constable in 1999 and was subsequently the deputy chief constable of Kent Police. He was most recently Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer of the National Policing Improvement Agency.

Chief Constables are appointed by police authorities subject to the approval of the Home Secretary and to police regulations.

An open competition is held by the Police Authority, who consider the suitability of candidates supported by reports from the applicant's chief constable (where they are not already at this rank), and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what payments to (a) the current and (b) each previous Chief Constable of Essex Police (i) have been made during each of the last three years and (ii) are planned for each of the next two years. (290643)

[holding answer 9 September 2009]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 24 February 2009, Official Report, column 687W which referred to Home Office circulars on chief constable pay. The salary for the chief constable of Essex is currently £144,510

It is for police authorities to determine other payments to chief officers in accordance with legislative requirements.