THE SEARCH for Warwickshire Police’s next Chief Constable has begun.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Seccombe has said the final decision on who will replace Ch Con Martin Jelley QPM – who will retire at the end of June – will be taken by whoever wins the forthcoming PCC election in May.
Applications are being sought from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from under-represented groups – and Mr Seccombe says he is looking for a ‘dynamic and inspirational leader’.
He said: “The Chief Constable role is a pivotal role for policing and for local communities, so it is essential we find the right person who can lead Warwickshire Police forward over the next few years.
“They will have the opportunity to make their mark and make a significant contribution to the safety and wellbeing of communities across Warwickshire.
“Working with an engaged and committed workforce, they will be charged with implementing and embedding the improvements and new ways of working that are now in train to fully modernise the force.
“I have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with outgoing Chief Constable Martin Jelley QPM, his senior team and Warwickshire Police as a whole. I am looking for the next Chief Constable to continue to maintain and enhance this relationship and work effectively with our many partners in the county.”
Conservative Mr Seccombe will stand against Labour’s Ben Twomey and Liberal Democrat Louis Adam in the PCC elections in May.
He added: “The elections for the next Police and Crime Commissioner term of office are due to take place on May 6. I have therefore timed the selection process to enable whoever the electorate chooses to be the Police and Crime Commissioner to be fully involved in the process and have the final say on the preferred candidate for Chief Constable will be.
“Choosing a Chief Constable is one of the most significant actions a Police and Crime Commissioner can take and it is essential that the recruitment process is open and transparent for everyone involved. This will be the first major decision of the next term of office and will mark an exciting new chapter in the long history of Warwickshire Police.”
Once selected, the preferred candidate, together with the Police and Crime Commissioner, will be required to attend a public Confirmation Hearing before the Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel, at a date to be confirmed.
Visit www.warwickshire-pcc.gov.uk for more information and an application pack. The closing deadline for applications is May 11.
