A FORMER counter terrorism expert at the Metropolitan Police has returned to his roots as newly appointed Deputy Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police.

Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed the appointment of Darren Davies as their new Deputy Chief Constable.

Darren's most recent post was as Assistant Chief Constable seconded to the Metropolitan Police as Director of Change for the Counter Terrorism network, also having a close involvement in collaboration on a national level across law enforcement.

Having been born and brought up in the force area, he now returns to his less urban roots, having began his policing career when he joined Dyfed-Powys Police in 1988.

He worked in Llanelli, Powys, Carmarthen, Ammanford and the force headquarters, before becoming the head of the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit in 2005. In 2007 he spent two years in London working on terrorism and ports issues on a national level.

He returned to Wales seven years ago working on regional collaborative units, and in 2014 became the lead of both serious organised crime and terrorism matters for Wales.

Darren brings a wealth of experience in delivering innovative and complex change and business improvement on a regional and national level, working closely with partners, and is well versed in strategy, performance improvement and financial management, whilst having a keen appreciation of the importance of valuing his staff and workforce in order that they can deliver the best service for the public of Dyfed-Powys.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Collins, who will take up his post as newly appointed Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police in December, said: "I am delighted to have appointed Assistant Chief Constable Darren Davies as my Deputy.

“Darren has a long and distinguished history as a serving officer in Dyfed-Powys Police and further afield, and I am sure the experience he has gained regionally and nationally will benefit Dyfed-Powys Police upon his return."

Assistant Chief Constable Darren Davies added: "I am absolutely honoured to be returning to serve in the force area as the Deputy Chief Constable and proud to be working with a committed team in delivering the best possible service for the people of Dyfed and Powys over the coming years."