NORTHUMBRIA Police’s assistant chief constable has taken over as the new National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for criminal use of firearms.

Helen McMillan has taken over the role from chief constable Dave Thompson, of West Midlands Police.

ACC McMillan joined Northumbria Police last month, having previously worked for Durham Police in a variety of roles – most recently as assistant chief constable. She has experience of working in many operational roles, including training and professional standards departments and is an experienced firearms and public order commander.

The NPCC criminal use of firearms lead chairs national meetings to discuss trends and issues and share best practice.

She is the national spokeswoman for the portfolio and will liaise with the Home Office, National Crime Agency, the National Ballistics Intelligence Service and other law enforcement agencies.

“I am delighted to be taking over this portfolio from chief constable Thompson and look forward to working with police forces and other law enforcement organisations,” ACC McMillan said.

“Gun crime levels in the UK remain low, especially compared to the US or Europe. However the threat from criminal use of firearms is one which we cannot be complacent about and we must continue to tackle the problem to reassure and protect our communities.”