New Chief Inspector for Dacorum

A new Chief Inspector is at the helm of policing in Dacorum.

Dave Skarratts took up the post in January from his predecessor CI Jason Keane, who has moved to a new role within the Constabulary.

Dave joined the force as a call handler in the control room when he was 18 years old. A year later, in 2005, he joined as a PC and was posted to the intervention team in Hertsmere, responding to emergency incidents.

In 2010, he became a detective, working within the world of serious and organised crime for several years. During this time, he was seconded to the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), a seven-force team set up to disrupt organised crime across the region.

Over the next five years he rose through the ranks, becoming a detective inspector in 2019, followed by promotion to detective chief inspector in 2023, gaining additional specialist policing qualifications along the way.

‘I’m a career detective specialising in covert policing, but I always loved my time in uniform and so it’s nice to be back on the front line,’ said Dave, who was born in Hemel Hempstead and grew up in the local area.

‘A lot has changed since my time on Intervention, such as the demand and expectations on policing, but, at the heart of it, it’s still the same job – tackle crime and make sure that people feel safe.’

As Chief Inspector, Dave is responsible for overseeing the work of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, which consists of officers and PCSOs who work alongside local partners, to focus on solving long and short-term neighbourhood issues, such as anti-social behaviour, speeding, criminal damage, theft and drug related crime.

He is also responsible for managing the Local Crime Unit, which investigates the more serious crimes such as robbery and burglary.

He said: ‘Dacorum is one of the busiest areas of the county, which obviously brings its challenges. I’m looking to use my previous experience to bring new ideas and tactics to this role, to proactively tackle the issues that are causing the most concern.

‘I want to ensure that we’re focusing on the things that matter most to residents. We’re committed to working with our local partners, including the borough council and housing associations, to do just that.

‘The Dacorum Community Safety Partnership has just launched its 2024 Community Safety Survey and I’d encourage people to please take part and have their say; your views really do make a difference.’