New Chief Inspector takes command at Chester

Mike Ankers has taken over as the new Chief Inspector for Chester Local Policing Unit. 

He succeeds Gareth Wrigley, who has been promoted to the role of superintendent overseeing local policing in Cheshire West.

Mike originally joined Cheshire Constabulary in 1995 when he started as a police constable in Runcorn. 

After successfully completing his probation period he trained as a detective and took up a role at Ellesmere Port CID. 

There he spent a large period of his service working within the pro-active team across both Chester and Ellesmere Port. During this time Mike worked as part of a high performing team who were recognised both locally and regionally for their work.

In 2015 he was promoted to the rank of Inspector and spent a short period of this in Ellesmere Port, before taking up the role of Learning and Development manager within the HR Department.

He also served in the Public Protection Unit in Chester, where he worked in collaboration to safeguard and support some of the most vulnerable residents in the community.

Most recently Mike has been working as the Director of Intelligence at the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, a specialist team, who focus on identifying, disrupting and dismantling serious and organised crime gangs. 

Mike is joining a well-established team of officers at Chester, including Inspectors Anna Galloway and Brian Green and Detective Inspector Nick Henderson.

Mike said: “As a local resident I’m proud to be taking over as the policing commander for Chester, it’s an area I know really well and I am passionate to ensure that I play my part in marking the communities feel even safer.

“Having served as an officer for more than 25 years I bring with me a wealth of experience in a number of varied areas I look forward to using these skills to help deliver my commitment.

“As Chief Inspector for Chester neighbourhood policing will remain as my top priority and I am committed to working with our partners and local residents to ensure that Chester remains a fantastic place to live and visit.

“I will also ensure that we robustly target those that cause our communities harm and prey upon the vulnerable and make Chester a hostile place to be for those intent on perpetrating crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Outside of work, Mike is married with two children, he enjoys most sports and likes to spend time with his family and friends.

Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, said: “I’m proud to be handing over the reins to Mike and I wish him the best of luck in his new role. 

“He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience and I am sure that he will make a great addition to the leadership team at Chester.”