Chief constable announces retirement after 30 years’ service

“It has been a huge privilege to serve as the chief constable of Gwent Police, the bravery and commitment shown by officers and staff is truly inspirational,” she said.

“Policing has changed enormously since I joined the service but the basics of working hard to prevent and detect crime and protect communities has and always will be at the heart of policing.

“It has been a fantastic career, and I would encourage anyone who would like to join the service to do so – it is such an opportunity to make a difference.

“I have announced my retirement ahead of the police and crime commissioner elections and will work closely with the newly elected commissioner to appoint my successor before retiring later this year.”

Ms Kelly joined Dyfed-Powys Police as a police constable in 1994 – after initially volunteering in the Special Constabulary – where she rose to the rank of assistant chief constable.

She became the deputy chief constable for Gwent Police in 2017 before becoming chief constable in 2019, a role she has held to date.

Her service to UK policing was acknowledged in the Platinum Jubilee honours where she received the Queen’s Police Medal, and is the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for workforce.

Reflecting on her time in policing, she added: “The last few years have been very challenging for UK policing, and for Gwent Police, and we have dealt robustly with all these challenges.

“I very much hope that our work in shaping organisational change has paved the way for our superb staff to deliver the best service possible for our communities.

“The staff, partners and community within Gwent have been outstanding to work with.

“It is a community that is strong with a real ability to work together to make change. It has been my absolute privilege to serve and be a part of policing for the last 30 years.”