Kier Pritchard confirmed as Ministry of Defence Police chief constable

Kier Pritchard has been confirmed as the permanent chief constable of Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) following an open selection process.

Jan 29, 2026
By Paul Jacques
Kier Pritchard. Picture: MOD Crown Copyright

He has been serving as  interim chief constable since September 2025.

Mr Pritchard joined MDP in September 2023 as deputy chief constable, following an exemplary career with Wiltshire Police.

The force said he has already made a “significant impact”, emphasising the critical importance of the MDP amid an increasingly unpredictable global landscape and is committed to ensuring it is recognised as the vital national asset it truly is.

MDP said with the force continuing its programme of modernisation and improvement, it was “vital to maintain continuity of force command and leadership” and therefore several temporary promotions have been granted, until substantive selection processes are finalised.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dobinson has stepped up to interim deputy chief constable, and chief superintendent Sarah Johnson has stepped up to interim assistant chief constable. The force said they will continue to support the chief constable and the MDP in the “collective mission to protect the nation’s defences and national infrastructure”.

Commenting on the appointments, Lucy Bogue, Director SJC GUARDIAN, said: “I am delighted that Kier has been appointed to the position of chief constable.

“Kier is well placed to lead the force, who provide unique specialist policing, and support defence to mitigate the complex and evolving threats that we, and the UK face.

“I look forward to working with him as chief constable.

Mr Pritchard said: “I am incredibly honoured to step into the role of chief constable.

“We are operating at a time of heightened global tension, from hostile acts and insider threats to protestor incursions and community unrest. The spotlight is on us.

“I have every confidence that MDP will continue to rise to these challenges with professionalism, courage, and unity. I look forward to working with, and leading, our dedicated officers and civilian colleagues through this vital next chapter, where together we will further modernise our force to protect defence.

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