New Norfolk Constabulary chief named

Phil Gormley has been announced as the new chief constable of Norfolk Constabulary.

Having been deputy chief constable of West Midlands Police for three years, Mr Gormley will be taking over the role from Ian McPherson, who is to become assistant commissioner at the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Norfolk Police Authority announced the appointment on January 19.

The authority`s chairman Stephen Bett said: “Phil Gormley demonstrated that he has the blend of experience, vision and aptitude that we were looking for… and we look forward to welcoming him as part of the existing highly-credible, high performing team.

“A great deal has been achieved for the people of Norfolk over the past three years and we believe that Mr Gormley is the best person to move still further forward.

“He will do this in a climate of expected dramatic central budget cuts and increasing pressure to share services with our neighbouring forces.”

Mr Gormley began his policing career in Thames Valley Police in 1985, working in uniform and detective roles up to the rank of Superintendent. In 1999 he was appointed OCU Commander responsible for Southern Oxfordshire.

Phil transferred to the MPS in January 2003 on promotion to Commander. During his time in the MPS he was the strategic lead for Firearms and Aviation Security responsible for SO19 and SO18.

In 2004 he became Secretary of the Association of Chief Police Officers standing committee on Terrorism and Allied Matters (ACPO TAM). In this role he helped to shape the future of counter terrorism policing nationally.

From 2005 he led on the modernisation of Specialist Operations and took command of the MPS Special Branch, responsible for driving forward the merger of Special Branch and the Anti Terrorist Branch to form the new Counter Terrorism Command for the Metropolitan Police.

He was appointed Deputy Chief Constable of the West Midlands in December 2006. In July 2008 Phil became the ACPO lead for Mental Health and Disability.