New Chief Constable for Suffolk confirmed

Suffolk Constabulary has a new Chief Constable. The formal appointment of Rachel Kearton was confirmed today (December 2) at the Police and Crime Panel held at Suffolk County Council’s Endeavour House in Ipswich.
The Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore presented his proposal to appoint Rachel following a robust recruitment process held last month. The panel unanimously supported the appointment.
Following her appointment Rachel said “ I am immensely proud to be appointed as Suffolk’s Chief Constable.
“I believe the quality of officers, staff and volunteers in Suffolk is very high. I am honoured to lead such an exceptionally dedicated workforce.
“My Chief Officer Team and I are committed to relentlessly pursuing high standards and to serving to all communities, fairly and equitably.
Tim Passmore said, “I was very pleased to propose Rachel as Suffolk’s next Chief Constable. It is a momentous appointment as Rachel will be the first female holder of the post in our county.
“Rachel was a strong candidate and impressed us with her forthright commitment to public service and delivering for the people of Suffolk.”
Tim added, “Rachel has a wealth of experience and knows the enormous challenges ahead for us in Suffolk including finance, increasing demand and the changes in the pattern of crime. Improving public trust and confidence will be fundamental to her role. I have no doubt that she is the right person to lead the Constabulary in its delivery of my Police and Crime Plan.”
Rachel joined Suffolk Constabulary in September 2015 as Assistant Chief Constable, following a career break during which time she worked for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Turkey. She previously served with police forces in Hampshire, West Yorkshire and Northumbria.
Rachel was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable in Suffolk in 2019 and has been the temporary Chief since the previous Chief Constable, Steve Jupp left in September 2022. She is also the national lead for Workforce Representation and Diversity.