Norfolk DCC new Chief of Kent Police

Ian Learmonth has been appointed the new chief constable of Kent Police replacing former Chief Constable Mike Fuller, who has taken on the role of HM Chief Inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Following an advertising campaign with Police Professional, and personal letters to prospective candidates Kent Police Authority had narrowed the prospective candidates down to Giles York, Deputy Chief Constable for Sussex Police, Simon Ash, Chief Constable of Suffolk Police and Alfred Hitchcock, Deputy Chief Constable of the National College of Police Leadership and National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA).

Mr Learmonth, the successful candidate is currently deputy chief constable of Norfolk Constabuylary. He has been a serving police officer since 1976, beginning his career with Essex Police and joining Strathclyde Police in May 2005.

The shortlisted candidates faced an intense two-day interview process including a media interview and describing how they would deal with a topical police scenario. This was then followed by a formal interview with the panel scoring each candidate.

Commenting on making the appointment, Ann Barnes, Chair of the Kent Police Authority said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been one of the panel who chose Ian Learmonth to be the new chief constable. It’s been a tiring few days, but I’m sure we now have the right person for the job. Ian will bring a variety of skills and experiences that will complement the existing chief officer team. When choosing the right candidate we really had to consider a good track record on performance. It’s a new start for us here in Kent, and I’m sure that Ian will be a great asset.

“The Authority will be watching, and ensuring, that Ian works on behalf of police council taxpayers. At the end of the day we have to remember the police is a public service, paid for by the people of the county. And there will be high expectations of what the new chief constable can bring to the table – we want to be amongst the best forces in the country. It was a hard choice and we now have three very disappointed candidates. I want to express my thanks to them for their patience and wish them well for the future. I’m confident the Authority has chosen wisely – we couldn’t afford to get it wrong – as the chief constable sets the direction of the force. I’m very excited and looking forward to working with him and the opportunities this will bring.”

Talks will now begin with Norfolk Police Authority as to when Mr Learmonth will be able to take up the post.

Mr Learmonth said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted to have the opportunity to work within a high performing force. I’m really looking forward to taking up the post and working closely with Kent Police Authority. My ambition is to move Kent forward from being a good, well respected force to delivering an outstanding to the police council taxpayers of Kent and Medway.”