Sussex chief constable to retire

The chief constable of Sussex Police is to retire after six years leading the force.

Martin Richards (pictured) said it had always been his intention to retire after 30 years’ service but stayed on to steer the force through the transition to new governance arrangements with the introduction of police and crime commissioners (PCCs) one year ago.

Mr Richards will retire in March after serving 32 years in the police service. He was appointed chief constable of Sussex Police in October 2007 and received the Queen’s Police Medal in 2008.

He said it was not a decision he had taken lightly: “My career as a police officer has been a rewarding one and it has been a particular privilege to serve as chief constable of Sussex Police.

“It had always been my intention to retire as is usual after 30 years’ service, but I felt it right to support first the police authority in its final months and then the newly-elected PCC through into her second year in office.

“It has been my good fortune to serve alongside excellent people and talented and committed partners who, together, have made a huge contribution towards consistently reducing crime in Sussex.

“I shall remember with affection and admiration a workforce that consistently demonstrates the highest qualities of compassion, courage, a sense of justice and above all an overwhelming desire to serve.”

Sussex PCC Katy Bourne paid tribute to Mr Richards’ “tremendous contribution to Sussex Police”, adding: “It has been a pleasure working with him during my first year in office and he has been a great support to me. During his service as chief constable he has steered the force through difficult times and met some significant financial challenges.”

She said plans were being put in place to recruit a new chief constable.

Mr Richards was previously deputy chief constable at Avon and Somerset Constabulary and chief constable of Wiltshire Police.