The chief constable of South Wales Police, Peter Vaughan, has confirmed that he is set to retire at the end of 2017.

Peter Vaughan, 54, has been in the post for eight years and has spent more than 33 years in the police service.

On announcing his retirement, the chief constable said: "It has been a great honour and privilege to be the chief constable for South Wales Police, a service I joined in 1984. I have had the opportunity to work across the whole of the South Wales Police area, in many different ranks and roles, experiencing first-hand the warmth and support of our communities. This, combined with the commitment of the exceptional people who work for us and with us has ensured that at a time of austerity the service we provide to those communities has gone from strength to strength.

"South Wales Police is recognised nationally for that positive connection with the communities we serve, for the way we engage with the victims of crime, for our visibility and our use of technology. I do think that I have had the best job in the world serving the best communities, with the best people.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our officers and staff for all their hard work, dedication and support."

In April 2007, Mr Vaughan was promoted to the rank of deputy chief constable at South Wales Police, before taking over as chief constable on 1st January 2010.

In 2013, Mr Vaughan was awarded the Queen’s police medal in the New Years’ honours.

He was the last president of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and was also vice-chair of its successor body, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

Police and crime commissioner for South Wales Police, Alun Michael, said: "Peter has been a pleasure to work with – challenging and innovative and creative – and together we have created a strong foundation on which to build. As Peter looks to step down from his role as chief constable, attention turns to the appointment of his successor, an individual who must be able to maintain the standards we have jointly established, whilst ensuring that South Wales Police meets fresh challenges and that we strive to make our communities safe.

"For us, this process has begun today with the formal advert stating that that we are seeking a new Chief Constable. Following a rigorous selection process, I will seek to have the appointment confirmed by the South Wales Police & Crime Panel in September 2017, before the appointed individual formally assumes the position of Chief Constable on the 1st January 2018.

"For the next six months, I know that Peter will continue to serve with enthusiasm and distinction and I look forward to a continuation of the successful relationship I have forged with Peter and to prepare the foundations for his successor."