New Assistant Chief Constable set to join Durham

An experienced detective who specialises in protecting vulnerable people is set to join Durham Constabulary as Assistant Chief Constable.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jon McAdam, currently Head of Crime with Lincolnshire Police, is to join the executive team over the next few months, at a date to be decided.

Jon started his career in Surrey Police in 1999, before moving to Cambridgeshire Constabulary in 2002 and then Lincolnshire Police in 2018 when he was promoted to Superintendent.

Having spent most of his career as a detective, Jon has extensive experience in serious and complex crime investigations, homicide, kidnap and extortion, and safeguarding.  Alongside his operational roles, Jon has supported national best practice for Domestic Abuse, and overseen the creation of a nationally recognised Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Cambridgeshire.

While at Lincolnshire, he served as the Head of Public Protection, setting up the force’s Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit to ensure a robust response to criminals who target vulnerable people.

The long-serving officer also served as Area Commander, overseeing serious crime investigations, neighbourhood policing and response policing for the West of Lincolnshire.

A rugby coach in his spare time, Jon earned a Masters in criminology from Cambridge University alongside his 25 years of practical policing experience.

Chief Constable Rachel Bacon, of Durham Constabulary, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Jon has agreed to join us as our new Assistant Chief Constable and I am certain he will be a fantastic asset to the force.

“Jon has a depth of experience and a proven reputation in policing, particularly in the challenging fields of neighbourhood policing and the protection of vulnerable people which are among the highest priorities for Durham.

“We are committed to tackling neighbourhood crime and protecting victims and I have complete confidence that Jon will make a decisive contribution to ensure Durham delivers on that commitment”.

Outgoing ACC Tonya Antonis will retire next month after two years with the force, bringing to an end a 28-year career in policing.

Chief Constable Bacon added: “I would also like to take the opportunity, on behalf of all at Durham Constabulary, to thank Tonya for her dedicated service and wish her well in her well-deserved retirement.”