Gareth Wilson appointed Chief Constable for Suffolk

Following a confirmation hearing of the Police and Crime Panel today, Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore announced Gareth Wilson as the new Chief Constable for Suffolk.

Mr Passmore and an appointments panel made up of Tim Passmore, Dr Stephen Dunn, Chief Executive, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust; Alan Ridealgh, Group Managing Director, Muntons PLC and Gill Lewis, Independent Member, College of Policing, selected Gareth following a rigorous process of interview and assessments on Friday 18 December. This decision was subject to confirmation by the Police and Crime Panel, which was considered today at a meeting in Endeavour House.

Gareth joined Suffolk Constabulary in July 2014 in the role of Deputy Chief Constable, he was Assistant Chief Constable at Norfolk Constabulary from 2012, serving as the collaborative lead for Protective Services in Norfolk and Suffolk. Prior to this Gareth spent 23 years with Essex Police in a mix of both CID and uniformed roles.

Tim Passmore said, “I am very pleased to announce Gareth as the next Chief Constable for Suffolk. This was a unanimous decision by the interview panel. Gareth was a strong candidate, and impressed us with his energy, drive and leadership qualities. I look forward to continuing working with Gareth to deliver Suffolk’s long-term plan for policing over the next 5 years, in line with my Police and Crime Plan.”

Speaking for the first time as Chief Constable, Gareth Wilson said, “I’m very proud to be the new Chief Constable for Suffolk. It is a great privilege to lead such a dynamic and flexible organisation. Over the past year I have worked closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner to develop plans to transform the police service in Suffolk; I am delighted to now be in a position to lead the Constabulary through these changes to meet the challenges ahead.”