Kent appoints deputy chief constable

Paul Brandon has been appointed deputy chief constable of Kent Police.

Mr Brandon, who has held the position on a temporary basis since last month, was appointed permanently on February 20 following an interview panel that included Kent police and crime commissioner (PCC) Ann Barnes.

Kent Police Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said he was delighted that Mr Brandon has been appointed permanently.

“Mr Brandon’s knowledge of Kent Police and the local communities we serve will be invaluable, and I know that all the officers and staff of the force will be really pleased with the appointment,” he added.

Mrs Barnes said: “Mr Brandon is an excellent police officer, and I have no doubt he will continue to play a huge role in supporting Kent’s Chief Constable Alan Pughsley in delivering the police and crime plan and responding to the challenges ahead. I welcome him to his new rank and look forward to working with him to continue to keep Kent one of the safest places to live in the country.”

Mr Brandon joined Surrey Police as a cadet in 1980 and the regulars in 1981. He transferred to Kent Police in 1994 as a sergeant. As an inspector he set up the Gypsy/Traveller liaison team tactical support group and the critical incident cadre before transferring to the force taskforce, working on the development of the Kent policing model.

In 2006, Mr Brandon returned to tactical and frontier operations as operational superintendent following a three-month secondment to South Australia Police. He was promoted to chief superintendent in 2008 and became area commander in north Kent.

In December 2011, Mr Brandon was appointed assistant chief constable for local policing and partnerships, and in September 2012 he took on the central operations portfolio.

He is a Gold commander for firearms and public order.