NCA head to retire

The director-general of the National Crime Agency (NCA) Keith Bristow will retire in 2016.

Mr Bristow, who announced his decision on May 22, has led the NCA since its formation in 2011.

He began his career with West Mercia Police and progressed to the rank of detective chief inspector before being appointed as staff officer to the president of the Association of Chief Police Officers in 1997.

In 2002, he was appointed as the UK director of the National Criminal Intelligence Service – which was at the time responsible for tackling serious organised crime in the UK.

He was appointed chief constable of Warwickshire Police in 2006, having taken up the role of the force’s deputy chief constable the previous year.

Mr Bristow said leading the NCA is the highlight of his career.

“It has been a privilege to play a role in building and shaping the NCA. Over the past four years our officers and law enforcement partners have undertaken a significant journey together to change the way the UK responds to serious and organised crime,” he said.

“We have come a long way and have already transformed the UK’s collective capabilities but the journey continues and it is important that my successor joins at the right point in the NCA’s development.

“I am deeply proud of what we have achieved collectively, and of the men and women who have made this a reality.”