GUERNSEY’S new chief officer of police is George Le Page. A former chief superintendent in the force, Mr Le Page was appointed yesterday by the Home Affairs Committee. Home Affairs president Mike Torode said it met on Tuesday to discuss the final listing of four candidates – three of whom were external. ‘They were four excellent candidates with a great deal to offer Guernsey Police between them,’ he said. ‘But Mr Le Page was considered the most rounded and appropriate to the Guernsey Police Force.’ Deputy Torode said his committee was delighted to be able to appoint a Guernsey officer. ‘Mr Le Page has served Guernsey Police for in excess of 36 years and it’s most fitting that he should reach the peak of his career as chief officer. ‘The committee is confident that he will discharge his duties with the usual vigour and zeal.’ Mr Le Page replaces Mike Wyeth, who left the post last week. The Guernsey officer joined as a cadet in October 1967 before his appointment as constable on 1 May 1970. Having carried out a wide range of duties within the force, he was appointed its deputy chief officer on 1 July 1998. During his service, Mr Le Page has received commendations from the chief officer, Home Affairs and the courts. The committee acknowledged that he was taking charge at a particularly challenging time for the force, which continued to operate well below strength. But it was confident he would successfully lead the force and enjoy the support of the officers and civilian staff, colleagues elsewhere in the public service, the island community and the committee itself. It wished him every success in his new job, in which he is supported by his wife, Annette.