APPLICATIONS have opened to become the next Humberside Police chief constable.
Police and crime commissioner Matthew Grove has launched an advertisement for the £139,119-a-year role.
The successful candidate will replace the outgoing chief Tim Hollis, who retires next year after eight years in charge.
Mr Grove said: "Tim Hollis has been an exceptional chief constable and a great leader. He has brought the force from a very difficult place to where it is today, which is providing a good service and improving.
"We can't put that at risk, we need to find somebody who can lead the force even further to make the area safer, with less crime and fewer victims.
"He is a hard act to follow and the biggest challenge will be finding someone to replace him."
For the first time, the application specifies the successful candidate must live within the force area. Mr Hollis lives in South Yorkshire.
The application pack says relocation costs of up to £50,000 will be reimbursed.
They include six months of mortgage interest payment or rent, "domestic fittings", legal fees, removal costs and stamp duty.
Mr Grove said: "I want them to be part of the community. The chief constable holds a very special position and it is only appropriate they should be part of our community.
"I don't want this to be a temporary career move for somebody. I want them to show absolute commitment to the people of this area. This is a good area and a good place to live and good people live here."
With 17 forces looking for chief constables in the coming months, Mr Grove said he was keen to start advertising position quickly.
"Finding a new chief constable is my first priority. The day after I was elected, I told my staff that I wanted to advertise as soon as possible.
"This is the biggest decision I will have to make and I want to make sure we get the right person for the job."
Mr Grove said he is setting up an advisory committee to help him select the right candidate.
"It is a big decision and that is in my hands, which is why I am setting up a panel with varying expertise and knowledge to give me some guidance.
"My job is to make sure we get the best person, but it is a very involved process and that is designed to make sure we get the best possible candidate.
"I want someone who has a passion and an ambition to provide the best service for the people of this area, someone who has a real vision and who feels able to deliver my manifesto pledges."
Mr Grove said members of the panel will have experience of policing, police governance or community involvement.
Applications for the job close on January 2.
