PCC confirms preferred candidate for next chief constable of Bedfordshire Police

Mr Rodenhurst has served with Bedfordshire Police since being appointed deputy chief constable in 2019. He has been acting chief constable since September following the announcement that current chief constable Garry Forsyth was set to retire.

PCC Festus Akinbusoye said Mr Rodenhurst was a “commensurate strategic leader with a firm grip of the challenges that we face in policing”.

He said Mr Rodenhurst had been subject to a “rigorous selection process”, including assessments by both internal and external stakeholder groups, an in-depth psychometric assessment undertaken by the College of Policing, and a detailed panel interview and presentation.

Mr Akinbusoye said: “I am very pleased to announce Trevor Rodenhurst as my preferred candidate for the role of Bedfordshire’s chief constable. My office has ensured that the selection process was extremely thorough and put Trevor through his paces.

“I was particularly heartened by the feedback from the two stakeholder groups who described Trevor as calm under pressure, courageous in his decision making, a good listener and very values-centred.

“My own observation of his performance at interview was of a commensurate strategic leader with a firm grip of the challenges that we face in policing and the criminal justice system.”

He added: “Since being elected last year, I have had the pleasure of working with Trevor, and I know that he has the drive and passion to take Bedfordshire Police, and the collaborative functions he will have oversight of, into an exciting new era of innovation and continued improvement.

“I have every confidence that under Trevor’s leadership the force with go from strength to strength.”

The appointment will now be subject to a confirmation hearing by the Police and Crime Panel on December 12.

Mr Rodenhurst began his career with Hertfordshire Constabulary in 1994. Prior to joining Bedfordshire Police, he led the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit and currently holds the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for regional organised crime units and undercover policing.

Mr Rodenhurst said: “It is an enormous privilege to be offered the opportunity to lead the police staff, officers and volunteers who make up Bedfordshire Police.

“If I am confirmed in post next month, my focus will be on continuing the fantastic foundations that have been laid here in Bedfordshire, to strengthen the trust and confidence that local people have in their police, support our incredible teams that take criminals off the streets, and work with the commissioner and our partners to navigate the challenging financial times ahead for all public services.”