Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, has appointed Darren Martland as the next Chief Constable for Cumbria Constabulary.
The Commissioner had selected Darren Martland, the current Temporary Chief Constable for Cumbria, as his preferred candidate, following interviews on 10 February 2026. In line, with statutory guidelines, the Police, Fire and Crime Panel held a confirmatory hearing today (27 February) to consider Mr Martland’s suitability for the role. Following the meeting, the Panel made their recommendation to the Commissioner that the appointment be confirmed.
Commissioner David Allen, said: “I am pleased to appoint Darren Martland as the new Chief Constable for Cumbria Constabulary.
“Since returning to Cumbria in July 2023, Darren has been an integral part of the Chief Executive Team, starting as Deputy Chief Constable and then Temporary Chief Constable in 2025.
“Darren has worked with colleagues over the last three years to improve Cumbria Constabulary to support victims and communities, tackle criminality and support the workforce including strengthening police numbers to put more Officers back on our streets.
“Cumbria has a unique set of challenges due to its size and geography and its tourism factor. I fully believe that Darren has the ability to deliver the best service possible in response to these challenges.
“I am certain that Darren will continue to drive positive change, improve victim care and the quality of service delivered to the public and deliver results as Chief Constable and I look forward to working with him to protect Cumbria’s safety.”
Chief Constable Darren Martland said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as Chief Constable for Cumbria Constabulary.
“Since returning to Cumbria in 2023 I have seen how committed officers and staff are in ensuring we are delivering top performing and exceptional policing service.
“We will continue to build on providing a visible policing presence for our communities through neighbourhood policing, taking proactive action against criminality and keeping victims at the forefront of what we do.”
Chair of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel, Tim Pickstone, said: “After robust scrutiny of both the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s recruitment process and the professional competence of Mr Martland, the Panel unanimously agreed a recommendation to appoint Mr Martland to the position of Chief Constable.
“The Panel was impressed with Mr Martland’s proposals for Cumbria Constabulary and his extensive policing experience - wishing him well in his new position.”