Candidates for Kent CC announced

Five senior officers have been shortlisted for the post of chief constable at Kent Police, Police Professional has learnt.

Earlier this year, former chief constable of Kent Police, Mike Fuller, was appointed HM Chief Inspector at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The potential candidates to fill the vacancy are:
Giles York, deputy chief constable at Sussex Police. Mr York started his career at Kent in 1990, joining Sussex Police in June 2008.

Ian Learmonth, deputy chief constable at Norfolk Police. He began his career with Essex Police in 1976 and joined Strathclyde Police in May 2005 before moving to his current role.

Simon Ash, chief constable at Suffolk Police. He began his career at Kent Police in 1982 and served six years with Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Simon Cole, deputy chief constable at Hampshire Police. He served with West Midlands Police in 1988 before moving to Hampshire in 2003.

Alfred Hitchcock, deputy chief constable and head of the National College of Police Leadership at the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA). He started his career with Lancashire Police in 1977, later joining the Metropolitan Police Service in 2003 as a Commander and appointed Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Operational Services in 2007.

Ann Barnes, chair of Kent Police Authority said: “Whoever we appoint needs to have the skills for the job and all five shortlisted candidates are extremely well qualified. The chief constable of Kent is a very high-profile position and the shortlisted candidates really understand the challenges of policing this wonderful county of ours.”

Adrian Leppard is acting as temporary chief constable until the shortlisted applicants are interviewed and an appointment made in May.