New Chief Constable Named

 

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17 May 2013

Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins has revealed the identity of his proposed candidate for the post of Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police.

 

Following a rigorous interview process, Commissioner Martins announced that he is proposing the appointment of Colette Paul, who is currently Deputy Chief Constable of South Wales Police, to the Police and Crime Panel when it meets on 4 June 2013.

 

The panel is responsible for reviewing the proposed appointment and recommending to the commissioner whether or not Ms Paul should be appointed.

 

The panel also has the power to veto the appointment.

 

The Commissioner said: “This was a difficult decision as all the candidates were of a particularly high calibre – and a very important one. However, I firmly believe that we have selected the individual best suited to the needs of Bedfordshire Police and our local communities, in line with my overall objective of a safer Bedfordshire.

 

“Colette impressed us all with her infectious energy and enthusiasm,” added the Commissioner, “and I very much look forward to working with her to deliver my Police and Crime Plan.”

 

After the announcement, Ms Paul described herself as ‘over the moon’, adding: “I’m absolutely delighted. Bedfordshire is wonderfully diverse county with lots of complexities, which will make it a really interesting place to work.

 

“I’m looking forward to working with Olly Martins and the senior officer team, to ensure the delivery of the kind of service that the public of Bedfordshire expect and deserve.”

 

In line with the new legislation, the outcome of the selection procedure will now go to a confirmation hearing of the Police and Crime Panel, thereby enabling the robust nature of the recruitment process to be publicly scrutinised.

 

Mr Martins was helped in his task by a highly experienced selection panel, which in itself reflected the significance of this appointment. Sitting alongside the Commissioner were the former Chair and Independent member of the Police Authority Peter Conniff and Carolyn Dhanraj MBE JP, an independent member from the College of Policing. They were supported by former Chief Constable and Chief Executive of the National Policing Improvement Agency Peter Neyroud CBE QPM. He is renowned for his innovative approach to policing and agreed to act as a special advisor to the panel.

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