Keith Bristow named as new crime agency chief

Warwickshire Police Chief Constable Keith Bristow was today named as the head of the new National Crime Agency, Home Secretary Theresa May said.

Mrs May said Mr Bristow will "develop an agency of powerful operational crime fighters who will ensure those who commit serious and organised crime are tracked down, pursued and brought to justice".

The new National Crime Agency is expected to start its work in 2013.

Mrs May said: "I am delighted to announce Keith Bristow as the new head of the National Crime Agency.

"For too long we have lacked a strong, collaborative national response in the fight for criminal justice. The NCA will make the UK a more hostile environment for serious and organised crime and strengthen our border.

"In his new role, Keith Bristow will develop an agency of powerful operational crime fighters who will ensure those who commit serious and organised crime are tracked down, pursued and brought to justice.

"Keith Bristow will be the NCA's first operational head and will play a vital role in developing the new agency."

Mr Bristow said: "The NCA will protect communities and individuals from harm by tackling serious, organised and complex crime.

"In partnership with other law enforcement agencies, we will ensure that criminals are identified, pursued and brought to justice, their groups dismantled and their activities disrupted. We will do even more to strip away their illegally obtained assets.

"Officers and staff from existing agencies that will become part of the NCA are already working hard to tackle serious, organised and complex crime and new approaches and capabilities will become operational before 2013 to cut crime and protect our borders.

"I shall be working closely with Chief Constables, leaders of other law-enforcement organisations, Police Authorities, Police and Crime Commissioners and the Government to ensure that the NCA delivers the maximum protection possible for communities within the resources it has available."

PA