Gareth Wilson in line for Chief Constable job

Suffolk has a new Chief Constable, subject to the appointment being confirmed by the Police and Crime Panel in the new year (January 6).

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore and an appointments panel, selected Gareth Wilson as the next Chief Constable following a rigorous selection process on Friday 18 December.

Gareth, who has spent much of his police service in Essex, is currently the substantive Deputy Chief Constable in Suffolk, although has been Temporary Chief Constable since February 2015.

Tim Passmore said, “I am very pleased to propose Gareth Wilson as the next Chief Constable of 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.

Tim added, “Gareth has given a long-term commitment to Suffolk, which is particularly important as we devise our long-term plan for the next 5 years, in line with our Police and Crime Plan.”

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.

The Police and Crime Panel’s Chief Constable Confirmation Hearing, which is a public meeting, will be held at Endeavour House at 10.30 am on Wednesday 6 January 2016.

If the Police and Crime Panel confirms the appointment, Gareth will take up his new role immediately.

For more information see PCC Decision – Proposed Appointment of Chief Constable (PDF, 772KB).