Mr Parr's portfolio of lead roles at Hertfordshire included:

• Change management
• Collaboration
• Regional ICT collaboration
• Chair of the force Mobile Data project board
• Human resources
• Corporate development
• Corporate Performance

On the national policing scene he has lead roles in emergency procedures, the Police National Mobilisation Plan and Police Response to Prison Disputes.

Mr Parr is 49 and has 27 years police service.

He joined Sussex Police in May 1983, where he gained experience first in uniformed patrol before periods in corporate development, as a chief inspector in operations, Head of Control Room and Divisional Commander (East Downs Division).

He was appointed Assistant Chief Constable for Hertfordshire Constabulary in 2004 and Deputy Chief Constable in June 2007.

Mr Parr said: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity of serving the people of Cambridgeshire in the role of Chief Constable. Cambridgeshire Constabulary is a successful force and I look forward to building on that success."

Mr Parr is very clear on the tough financial challenges facing the whole of the public sector including the police service. He said: "I know there are many challenges ahead, financially and operationally, but I am confident that with the dedication of my officers and staff and by working in partnership we can meet those challenges on behalf of the communities we serve. Difficult decisions will be necessary but these present opportunities to think about doing things differently. Frontline service delivery will be our primary focus at all times."