Kent appoints new temporary assistant chief constable

Kent Police Authority has appointed a new temporary assistant chief constable to manage the three policing divisions covering the county.

Matthew Nix, currently a chief superintendent at the force, was selected following a panel interview.

Mr Nix has spent the past two and a half years as a divisional commander for the Mid Kent and West Kent areas.

He said: “I am hugely proud to have been appointed in such a prestigious post in Kent. I’ll be specifically looking at local policing and partnership working across the county. That’s covering everything from Tunbridge Wells to Margate or Edenbridge to Deal. It will be a real challenge but one I am really looking forward too. Tackling crime and ensuring that Kent is an even safer place to live, work and visit are high priorities on my agenda.”

Mike Hill, acting chairman of Kent Police Authority, added: “I’m delighted for Mr Nix and wish him every success in his new post. This is a really important appointment with a great deal of responsibility managing the three policing divisions covering the county. I’m sure he will be a great asset to the force and the public.”

Mr Nix began his police career in Nottinghamshire in 1985, moving to the West Midlands Police before joining Kent Police 14 years ago. Since then he has worked his way up from being a sergeant based in Swale and Medway to specialising in crime investigations, criminal justice, and partnership work with local agencies. With 27 years service in the police service, the 46-year-old father of three from Maidstone will now lead on operational policing in his new role beginning on September 9.

The top-tier changes follow the announcement that Assistant Chief Constable Andy Adams has been appointed deputy chief constable at Hertfordshire Constabulary.