Chief constable retires early when told job to be advertised
The chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police has taken early retirement after he was told his job was to be advertised by the new police and crime commissioner (PCC).
The chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police has taken early retirement after he was told his job was to be advertised by the new police and crime commissioner (PCC).
Colin Port, who started his career at Greater Manchester Police and had been in his position since moving from Norfolk Constabulary in 2005, announced his departure the day after Sue Mountstevens, the independent PCC who won last weeks election, had been sworn into office.
Deputy Chief Constable Rob Beckley has been put in temporary charge. In a statement Mr Port confirmed he was to leave and thanked his colleagues.
“Yesterday I had a meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner. She told me she intends to start the process to recruit a chief constable to take Avon and Somerset forward. I told her I had no intention of applying for my job.
“I can confirm that I will be retiring from the police service on 26 January 2013 at the end of my fixed term appointment. In effect, I will be leaving considerably sooner.
“I am terrifically proud to have led Avon and Somerset Constabulary, whose men and women have delivered so much in partnership with the police authority. I am sad to leave and stunned by the many messages of support I have received overnight from police officers and staff, ACPO [Association of Chief Police Officers] colleagues, partners and friends of Avon and Somerset Constabulary. To all of them, I say thank you.”
Ms Mountstevens paid tribute to the great improvements Mr Port had made in his time at Avon and Somerset, adding: “He will be greatly missed and I wish him every success for the future.
ACPO Sir Hugh Orde paid tribute to Mr Port, highlighting his contributions to United Nations investigations as well as domestic policing.
He said: Colin Port is a hugely experienced chief constable who has led Avon and Somerset police with distinction over the last eight years, reducing crime and raising public confidence, steering the force through a period of major change and handling a number of high profile criminal cases.
Over his career in policing he has built an outstanding record in leading difficult investigations at home and abroad, including in Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Northern Ireland. In recognition of that expertise he has led for the police service nationally on international policing. His skills and experience will be a big loss to the service.