Darren Martland appointed new Chief Constable for Cumbria
The Crime Panel confirmed his appointment on 27th February
Last updated 27th Feb 2026
Darren Martland has been appointed as the new Chief Constable for Cumbria Constabulary.
David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, selected Martland as the preferred candidate after interviews on 10th February 2026.
Mr Martland was previously the Temporary Chief Constable.
The Crime Panel confirmed his appointment on 27th February.
“I am certain that Darren will continue to drive positive change"
Commissioner David Allen commented:
“I am pleased to appoint Darren Martland as the new Chief Constable for Cumbria Constabulary.
“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.
“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.”
Mr Martland said he was honoured to have been chosen and will continue to build on providing a visible police presence and keeping victims at the forefront of what the police do.
Darren Martland's policing history
Mr Martland joined Cumbria Constabulary as Assistant Chief Constable in June 2015, coordinating the response to Storm Desmond later that year.
Previously he had worked for Merseyside Police and Cheshire Constabulary.
He returned to Cheshire in 2017 and was their Chief Constable in 2019.
He retired in April 2021 but returned to Cumbria as Deputy Chief Constable in July 2023.
He then became Temporary Chief Constable in June 2025, before receiving his current appointment.