Gloucestershire chief resigns following `grave` PCC concerns

The Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary has resigned as head of the force after raising “grave concerns” around the Government’s radical reform plans to introduce police and crime commissioners (PCC) later this year.

Tony Melville announced his intention today after spending two years at the helm of the force.

He said: “I believe policing does need to change and that is why we have transformed our approach in Gloucestershire. However I have grave concerns about some elements of the current police reform agenda especially the election of police and crime commissioners in six months time.

“I have therefore decided that I will not continue as chief constable under those new arrangements. I am stepping aside in time for the police authority to appoint my successor and ensure continuity for the incoming police and crime commissioner in November.”

Mr Melville was appointed chief constable in January 2010, moving to Gloucestershire from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary where he had worked as deputy chief constable for three years.

His career in the service spans thirty four years and he leaves the constabulary during a period of immense change in policing.

Under the leadership of Mr Melville, the constabulary, despite significant cuts to its budget, has gone from strength to strength.

“When the police authority selected me in 2009 we were clear that my role was to ensure that the people of Gloucestershire were kept safe, confidence in the police improved and that running costs reduced significantly. Since my appointment crime in Gloucestershire has fallen by 10 per cent, confidence in the constabulary has increased by 17 per cent and we have developed and nearly finished implementing a plan, approved by external scrutiny, that meets the huge reductions in budget required,” said Mr Melville.

Councillor Rob Garnham, chair of Gloucestershire Police Authority, said: “We are sad to see Tony leave the organisation and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him for everything he has done for the Constabulary during his time as chief constable.

“We appointed Tony because we wanted, and felt he would be capable, of transforming the organisation – not just its structures, but also its culture and values. He has not disappointed. A successful programme of change is well underway within the organisation and a significant amount of positive transformation has already taken place.”

Mr Melville will leave the Constabulary at the end of next month. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Constable Mick Matthews will be appointed temporary chief constable and Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Lambert will be appointed temporary deputy chief constable into early 2013 when the situation will be reviewed, following the election of a PCC.