PCC announces preferred candidate for chief constable of Surrey Police

Lisa Townsend said his appointment will now be subject to a confirmation hearing by Surrey’s police and crime panel later this month.

Mr De Meyer began his police career with the Metropolitan Police Service in 1997 and joined Thames Valley Police in 2008.

In 2012, he was promoted to chief superintendent for Neighbourhood Policing and Partnership before becoming head of Professional Standards in 2014.

He was promoted to assistant chief constable for Crime and Criminal Justice in 2017 and moved to Local Policing in 2022.

If his appointment is confirmed, he will replace the outgoing Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, who is set to depart the force in April this year after successfully being elected as the next head of the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Ms Townsend said Mr De Meyer’s suitability for the role was tested during a “thorough assessment day”, which included questioning from some of Surrey Police’s key stakeholders and being interviewed by an appointments panel, which she chaired.

Ms Townsend said: “Selecting a chief constable for this great county is one of the most important responsibilities of my role as commissioner.

“Having seen the passion, experience and professionalism Tim demonstrated during the selection process, I have every confidence he will be an outstanding leader who will guide Surrey Police into an exciting future ahead.

“I am delighted to offer the post of chief constable to him and I look forward to the panel members hearing his vision for the force at the upcoming confirmation hearing.”

Mr De Meyer said: “I am honoured to be offered the position of chief constable of Surrey Police and very excited about the challenges ahead.

“I look forward to meeting with the police and crime panel members and setting out my plans to build on the strong foundations put in place by the force leadership over recent years, should I be confirmed in post.

“Surrey is a wonderful county and it will be a privilege to serve its residents and work with the officers, staff and volunteers who make Surrey Police an outstanding organisation.”

The police and crime panel will meet to review the proposed appointment on Tuesday January 17 at County Hall in Woodhatch.